On Sunday, Sept. 24, the 19th annual UMass Cancer Walk & Run will bring together cancer survivors, families who have lost loved ones to the disease, clinicians dedicated to caring for patients and scientists researching a cure.
The largest, single cancer fundraiser in Central Massachusetts, the event benefits cancer research and oncology treatment at UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center. Since its inception, the money raised has helped provide highly specialized care and individual patient care programs, in addition to groundbreaking research.
“I love that UMass Memorial uses the money we raise from the walk to help local patients and their families fighting for their lives. I also love that the money we raise goes toward clinical trials and research for a cure at UMass Medical School,” said Sherri Sadowski, owner of Armsby Abbey in Worcester and team leader of Team Armsby Abbey.
Sadowski is one of thousands of individuals, business leaders and community leaders who have raised nearly $10 million to support cancer research, clinical trials and patient care through the UMass Cancer Walk & Run. This year, thousands more have registered to participate in either the 1- or 5-mile walk or roughly 3.5 mile run. The 2017 fundraising goal is $475,000 and nearly $110,000 has been raised thus far through corporate partnerships, making it the most successful year with corporate donations.
“Philanthropy is so important to me and to be quite frank, cancer sucks! I have watched some of the dearest people in my life battle this disease and it is truly just awful. There are no words of comfort for someone who is going through chemotherapy or even worse, who is terminal, and it can make you feel helpless,” Sadowski said.
“This walk represents so much more than finding a cure. The UMass Cancer Walk is filled with hope, inspiration and strength,” she said. “Getting involved is one of the most rewarding experiences for me, both personally, and as a business owner.”
For more information about the walk, to make a donation or to register for the event, click here: https://umasscancerwalk.org/.
