“Hard work plus dedication and motivation equals success.” That’s the motto of 13-year-old Landon Monro, of Roxbury, New Jersey. He came up with it while organizing a baseball tournament in 2014, which raised almost $3,000 for Stand Up To Cancer. This year, his hard work, dedication and motivation paid off once again during The Second Annual Landon Monro Tournament, Benefitting Stand Up To Cancer.

At age 11, his favorite team, The Los Angeles Angels, and Major League Baseball motivated Landon to stand up and raise funds for cancer research in his own community. “I really love baseball; it’s my passion,” Landon said. “I was watching an Angels game and saw everyone stand up with signs for SU2C. It inspired me. I thought it would be a really great thing for me to support too, because cancer affects so many.”

With the help of his mom, Dayna, Landon began to plan how he could use his love of baseball to raise money to support SU2C. He came up with the idea to have an annual baseball tournament and started planning. “I’ve always been supportive of my children and wanted to help him make this tournament happen. It was something Landon felt and still feels very strongly about doing,” Dayna said. With the help of SU2C, Landon’s tournament became a reality in June of 2014.

In the midst of planning, Landon’s family received some difficult news. “We found out that Landon’s uncle, my brother-in-law had been diagnosed with cancer that was inoperable, and we knew it was going to be a devastating loss. The tournament suddenly became a very personal event for our entire family,” Dayna said. Keith Monro died at age 53, a week before the tournament took place.

“For Landon, the tournament has become a way to honor his uncle,” Dayna said. “It’s his way of saying, I couldn’t save my uncle but I may be able to help save somebody else. He wants to continue doing the tournament as long as SU2C will allow it and the town of Roxbury will help support it.” With 70 players and an additional adult team this year, the 2015 tournament was a great success. Over $4,000 was raised for SU2C cancer research. Landon is already hoping to have another tournament in 2016.

When asked what he hopes others can take from his dedication to raising awareness and funds for cancer research, Landon said “It’s always good to do something for somebody else. Whenever you can use your own passions to raise money and help someone in need, it’s great. You’re never too young to help or make a difference.”

At SU2C we’re incredibly thankful for the support of MLB and inspired when fans continue to stand up with us. Landon has hit a homerun for cancer research with his tournament and is helping to create a world with more survivors.

Everyone can help in the fight to create a world with more survivors. To learn how you can create a fundraiser of your own click here.