Thousands will walk to fight women’s cancers
<0> City of HopeDominique GrignettiPhone: 800-888-5323 </0>
One in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in her lifetime. On Sunday, Nov. 3, this reality will unite thousands of survivors, families and friends in a truly one-of-a-kind event: City of Hope’s Walk for Hope, presented by Staples. The walk not only raises funds for research into breast and gynecologic cancers, which make up a large percentage of those cancers, it’s actually held where new treatments are found and where they save lives: on the City of Hope campus in Duarte. The 5k walk route will pass by the nationally known Helford Clinical Research Hospital where cancer patients will watch from the windows as walkers cheer for them.
The 17 annual event, a moving tribute to those women who have been, and will be, affected by women’s cancers, supports City of Hope’s multidisciplinary Women’s Cancers Program. It’s the signature event of the national Walk for Hope series, which has raised more than $36 million in its history and is the only series that benefits research, treatment and education programs for all cancers unique to women. Most special about the event is the location. Walkers feel the power of their contribution as they walk by City of Hope’s renowned Beckman Research Institute, where promising scientific discoveries are made. The emotion is amplified as they wave and cheer to patients currently undergoing treatment. Participants have called the experience “overwhelmingly powerful” and “incredibly moving.” With more than 8,000 participants, Walk for Hope Los Angeles celebrates the collaboration between researchers, patients and the community to bring an end to women’s cancers.
“City of Hope’s Women’s Cancers Program conducts innovative research to provide effective interventions for women with breast and gynecological cancers, and prevention of disease among women at risk,” said Joanne Mortimer, M.D., director of City of Hope’s Women’s Cancers Program. “We are grateful for the funding we have received through Walk for Hope. This generous support enables us to provide a continuum of care — from research to risk assessment, prevention, treatment, education and survivorship.”
This year, the power and emotion of Walk for Hope Los Angeles are being shared before the event even starts. Using the hashtag #whyIwalk, participants are creating short, personal videos across Twitter, Instagram, Vine and Facebook explaining the reason they’re taking part in the Walk. Some will walk for a lost loved one, some will walk to celebrate their own victory over cancer, but all have a deeply personal reason. #WalkforHope is the general hashtag for the event.
Fueling participants is the knowledge of the research currently being conducted at City of Hope. Some researchers in the Women’s Cancers Program are investigating the biology of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers or interventions that could reduce cancer risk for all women. Others are identifying new treatments and prevention methods. And still others are examining issues that affect women with cancer and their families, such as spirituality, the emotional impact of cancer on caregivers, and other quality-of-life issues. To learn more about City of Hope’s Women’s Cancers Program, visit .
The event itself will feature an expo area, live music, survivor speeches, giveaways and an interactive photo booth. Special programming for cancer survivors also will be included, along with team photos and food trucks. Event day festivities begin at 8 a.m. and the Walk begins at 10 a.m. Online registration closes on Friday, Nov. 1. To register for Walk for Hope Los Angeles or donate, visit .
Walk for Hope Los Angeles is presented by Staples, and is sponsored by The Walking Company, Wells Fargo and the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association (GLANCDA).
City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is based in Southern California and is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer by . Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit or follow City of Hope on , , or .