Steadfast supporters of 19th UMass Cancer Walk & Run beat fundraising goal
$573K raised for research, treatment at UMass Cancer Center
Thousands of dedicated supporters—donors, fundraisers, walkers and sponsors—were united in an important mission in 2017: to support the 19th annual UMass Cancer Walk & Run. And support it they did, by raising $573,000 to support cancer research and treatment at UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center.
“Our goal had been to raise $475,000,” said organizer Beth Whitney of the event, which was held on Sept. 24, 2017. “To have the support go beyond that goal was as thrilling as it was heartening. We’re so grateful to everyone who donated, organized fundraising teams and sponsored the 19th annual event.”
More than 8,000 people took part in honor of loved ones who have fought the disease, as well as to support the doctors who treat oncology patients and the scientists working toward a cure.
“We are so dependent on the community for fundraising and to help us support our mission in cancer research, teaching and clinical care,” said Michael Green, MD, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, the Lambi and Sarah Adams Chair in Genetic Research, chair and professor of molecular, cell, & cancer biology, and director of the UMass Chan Medical School Cancer Center. “UMass is a powerhouse in basic research and in cancer research. We have one of the largest tenured faculties and are very well supported from a federal funding point of view. We have everything from a Nobel Laureate to members of the National Academy of Science; we have some superstar cancer researchers.”
The event benefits highly specialized oncology care and individual patient care programs, in addition to groundbreaking research.