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Our Story
Inspired by Ralph
Ralph Edward Hartnagel III — husband, father, grandpa, teacher, and coach — was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. Through over 100 rounds of treatment across a six-year battle, his unwavering attitude became a beacon for everyone around him. His mantra was simple: "Stay Positive."
In 2023, we founded Metastatic Mission to carry on his legacy, spread his "Stay Positive" mantra, and support others battling cancer.
"Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains."
— Matthew 17:20, Ralph's favorite verse
Our Missions
What We Do
We run campaigns throughout the year to fight alongside those battling cancer — through movement, community, and resources.
Metastatic Missions
Born out of Ralph's love for running, movement, and getting outdoors. We look for unique ways where we can raise awareness, bring community together, and show up for those battling.
Our first two missions were the Run Across Indiana and the 12 Marathon Project. If you have an idea or want to create your own mission, we would love to hear about it!
Stay Positive Resources
Treatment rooms are cold. The fight is hard. Ralph wore his Stay Positive hoodie to every appointment to bring positivity into a place where it can be hard to find, and as a reminder that he wasn't alone.
We donate these hoodies to patients so they carry that same feeling — warmth, love, and a community fighting right beside them." If you want to send someone battling a hoodie, fill out the form below.
Research. Education. Awareness
Ralph taught for 37 years. He knew the power of education — and he saw it firsthand at Simon Cancer Center, where treatment and research go hand in hand. We donate to the Throgmartin Prostate Cancer Research Fund because we believe finding better answers is just as important as fighting today's battle. Research is hope.
Ralph also had a deep desire for spreading awareness around the importance of early detection and PSA tests for other men. Our mission with the PSA 4 PSA campaign is to help prevent late stage diagnoses.
By the Numbers
Our Impact
500+
Stay Positive Resources
Through campaigns, partnerships, and community submissions, we have been able to donate over 500 "Stay Positive" hoodies to those battling cancer. To help bring warm, love, and positivity to those battling!
If you know someone battling and would like to send them a hoodie, fill out the form below!
$23,524
Prostate Cancer Research
We believe that research gives hope! Since our start in 2023 we've been able to support the Throgmartin Prostate Cancer Fund. Providing other families with the hope that new treatments can make a difference for them.
Every year we donate $1000 for each year that Ralph has passed. With hopes of by 2030 doubling our impact.
Our Vision
Mission 5F
Through mission 5F, our goal is to provide families facing cancer with opportunites to step away from appointments, treatments, and uncertainty - and step into meaningful memories together. Whether a Zoo day, a night out at the Indians game, or signing up for a race like the Mini Marathon.
For our family, this was everything and has created memories that we can cherish forever. We are currently working on starting this mission in hope of starting in 2026.
Ralphin' Around Weekend
Prostate cancer can be isolating, and many men quietly carry fear, frustration, and often feel embarrassment. Each year, we aim to bring 10-20 men for a weekend of camping, fishing, hiking, and just time outdoors. A space to unplug, laugh, and build deeper connections with those going through the same battle.
We have just started talks of this vision and hope to start in 2027!
PSA for PSA Campaign
By 2030 we strive to be the reason that 100+ men have taken preventative measures and stayed on top of their Prostate Exams. Early detection is crucial in prostate cancer and a simple PSA check can be the difference.
