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Get involved

100 percent of the money your team raises supports cancer research and clinical trials of potentially lifesaving therapies taking place right here in Central Massachusetts.

1. Register

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Register as an individual, start a team (and become the team leader) or join an existing team. 

2. Fundraise

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Reach out to friends and family via social media and email. Ask your coworkers for donations. Host events. Get more fundraising ideas. 

3. Walk

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Join the thousands of superheroes who will take a stand against cancer on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Polar Park!

Your stories

  • Four people posing in front of a sign that says Polar Park and UMass Cancer Walk.

    For 15 years, Team Smile … There’s Hope! has turned personal experiences into support for cancer research

    Superheroes of the UMass Cancer Walk, team Smile ... There's Hope!, has raised more than $80,000 for cancer research and clinical trials at UMass Chan Medical School since 2009. The team’s fearless leader, Elaine Urban of Grafton, is a longtime childcare provider who believes deeply in giving back to her community. 

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  • Four people standing in front of the United Kingdom flag.

    Stage 4 cancer survivor Phil Berube highlights impact of cancer research

    Nearly four years ago, Phil Berube received life-changing news: He had Stage 4 prostate cancer that had spread to the bones throughout his spine and neck. Thanks to transformative advances in cancer treatment, what could have been a devastating prognosis instead offered possibility for healing and renewal.

    Read more
  • Tanya Pierre and her husband

    'Just keep going'

    Tanya Pierre, of Millbury, Massachusetts, has just come through the most challenging year of her life. At 39, she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer. Since then, she has undergone four surgeries at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

    Read more