Plan is to break hugging record
The cancer survivor wants to make the world a better place by spreading the love.
CANFIELD – WANTED: 1,500 people to hug their way to a new world record.
If you happen to be one of those people who gets squeamish about your personal space, this story might not be for you.
Jeff Ondash of Canfield will have to hug someone every 4.8 seconds to fulfill his dream of breaking a Guinness World Record for giving the most hugs in an hour.
A self-described, lifelong hugger, Ondash, 49, said his motto has always been “To make the world a better place, one hug at a time.”
The event will take place at 11a.m. April 26 at Warren’s Mollenkopf Stadium, 860 Elm Rd. Registration begins at 10 a.m., and the hug-a-thon kicks off five Trumbull County Relay for Life events.
Ondash joked that he has undertaken a tough training regimen to maximize his odds for success.
“I’ve been in seclusion with a world famous hugging trainer,” he said. “I have been working out four or five times a day in preparation for this world record.”
Ondash, who plans to don a red auto racing driver’s suit for the event, had his own experience with cancer when he was in seventh grade.
A growth on his chest turned out to be cancerous, and doctors removed a golf ball-size section of his chest and followed up with radiation. Throughout the whole ordeal, the doctors and his parents never mentioned the word cancer, so he didn’t realize he was a survivor until he recounted the story to an American Cancer Society employee.
Though he’s not down-playing the seriousness of skin cancer, Ondash said he never really considered himself a survivor.
He is hoping 1,500 people show up to hug – more than what he needs. The Guinness record is 672.
Ondash had to apply through Guinness and received approval a few months ago. He will have to meet stringent guidelines in order for the record to be recognized by the organization.
For example, he can’t hug the same person more than once, the whole event has to be videotaped and three independent judges have to be on hand to make sure everything is done right.
Pam Wilson, income development coordinator for the American Cancer Society’s Trumbull Relay for Life, said the organization is very excited Ondash will help kickoff this year’s relay events. She said the kickoff will also include raffles and live music.
Event coordinators are challenging local schools, churches, cancer survivors, those undergoing treatment, caregivers and community organizations to join the effort. Local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have already signed on to help as part of their community projects.
“This is important for me and everyone who has cancer,” Ondash said. “I’m happy to help such a great organization like the American Cancer Society.”
The hugger lives in Canfield and owner of Ondash Advertising. He graduated from Chaney High School and Youngstown State University. He and wife, Denean, have two daughters, Loren, 24, and Carlie, 20.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of a world record and a way to help in the fight against cancer,” Wilson said.
Participants and spectators are asked to make a $5 donation that will go to the five Trumbull County relay events in Warren, Niles, Lordstown, Cortland and Liberty. Tickets to participate are available from team captains and at a host of other local sites. Those who decide at the last minute to participate are welcome to show up April 26.
Trumbull County Relay for Life is in its 15th year. Wilson said teams will be able to get their T-shirts after Ondash is done.
For more information on the hug-a-thon, Relay for Life or to find out how to get involved, call Wilson at (330) 841-4970.