Milestone year for UMass Cancer Walk celebrated at Polar Park

More than 2,500 people took part in the 25th annual UMass Cancer Walk presented by Harr Toyota at Polar Park on Sunday, Sept. 24. Participants raised nearly $750,000 to support adult and pediatric cancer research and clinical trials at UMass Chan Medical School.

Dottie Manning, co-founder of the UMass Cancer Walk, who has personally been touched by cancer, spoke before the event about what brings everyone together.

“I know you! And while I might not know your name, I know you and see you when I go for my yearly mammogram. I recognize your face in the grocery store, at the doctor’s office, and see you going to school. I know you as someone who has or is dealing with cancer, possibly your own cancer, your family members, your loved ones, or your best friend’s cancer,” Manning said.

She went on to call on participants to put their pain and grief into action by helping one another. The teamwork was on full display.

One hundred thirty-seven teams registered. As of Dec. 6, the top 10 fundraising teams are as follows: 

• Table Talk Pies: $22,835
• The Doyle Dashers: $18,588
• Olivia Strong: $18,023
• Team Absolute: $14,790
• Queen Vee and Her Bees: $13,375
• Team UMassFive: $12,809
• UMass Chan Cancer Research Team: $11,310
• Allie’s Warriors: $10,127 
• ForHealth Consulting SoleMates: $9,110 
• Walking Together: $8,510 

In its 25 years of existence, the UMass Cancer Walk has raised $16 million. Donations are still being accepted through the end of the year at umasscancerwalk.org.