Death was the wake-up call a group of childhood friends needed.
After mourning the loss of a friend’s brother, they came to terms with an uncomfortable truth.
“The only time we meet up is at a funeral,” Twiggy Bullock said.
Bullock and her group of friends began to think of ways to bring their community together for positive reasons.
The result: MAHRS Indy.
MAHRS stands for the Martindale, Arsenal, Hovey, Ralston and Schofield neighborhoods.
Founded in 2019, the nonprofit group hosts community events throughout the year, including garage sales and food giveaways for people experiencing homelessness.
On April 3, hungry customers filed into the garage behind Bullock’s house to pick up orders for a fish fry the group put together. Perch and catfish were on the menu, along with sides like collard greens, fries and hush puppies.
But MAHRS Indy’s main event is a cancer walk-a-thon in August.
Last year at their first walk-a-thon, the group raised $5,900. Some of that money went to the American Cancer Society and Little Red Door, an organization that helps families meet their basic needs during treatment. Money raised also went to families whose loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer.
That included the family of Thomas Watson, whose sister is Traci Watson, one of MAHRS Indy’s founders.
Thomas Watson’s son was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, one of the most common types of bone cancer in children and young adults.
“It was definitely a big help,” he said. “It’s always good when people can come together and do things for people.”
Twiggy Bullock, 58
Helping those with cancer is personal for Bullock, 58, who was diagnosed in January 2025 but is now cancer free.
Traci Watson, 60
Watson’s favorite MAHRS Indy activity is food giveaways for people experiencing homelessness.
“It means a lot to work with people,” Watson said.
Cheryl Watson, 80
Watson visited the fish fry with her friend, Lettie Foley, 81.
Watson, Traci Watson’s mother, said she’s proud of what MAHRS Indy does.
“I think it’s excellent,” the elder Watson said as she waited for her order.
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Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers housing and labor. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @ty_fenwick and Bluesky @tyfenwick.bsky.social.
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