Page Menu

Event Details

UMass Cancer Walk participants.

Each year, you and thousands of people like you, make the UMass Cancer Walk a success. The money you raise supports adult and pediatric cancer research and care, and clinical trials of new potentially lifesaving therapies taking place right here in Central Massachusetts at UMass Chan Medical School.

Show your support today

2024 UMass Cancer Walk presented by Harr Toyota

Thank you for making the 26th annual UMass Cancer Walk presented by Harr Toyota, which took place on Sept. 29, 2024 at Polar Park, a success. The event raised more than 650,000. Fundraising continues through the end of December.

T-shirt prize 

The first 1,000 individuals to raise $100 on their personal fundraising page (not team totals) will receive an exclusive 2024 tri-blend event T-shirt. T-shirts will be mailed in October/November.

Celebrating superheroes

Once again, this year, we honored patients, family members, health care providers, researchers, sponsors, volunteers—and you—with our superhero theme. By raising money and taking part in the walk, you have the “power” to save the lives of cancer patients. 

Why take part?

Your commitment to raise funds to support the UMass Cancer Walk is vital to the researchers and physician-scientists at our UMass Cancer Center. 
 
Your efforts enable them to focus on critical research, including clinical trials, that have the potential to change the lives of those with cancer. The funds you raise will help us develop groundbreaking cancer therapies and treatments. Your participation provides hope to those who need it most.

History 

Dottie Manning witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of cancer. First, she and her husband Dan Manning Sr. lost their son Danny to the disease in 1994. More devastating loss followed just two years later when Dan Sr. lost his battle. 
 
It was then that Dottie and family friend Bob Haynes decided it was time to take a stand. Together, they started a large-scale fundraising event to fight cancer, and in 1999 the walk was born. Since then, the UMass Cancer Walk has become the largest, one-day, single-location fundraising event in our area. The effect has been tremendous. Supporters like you have raised more than $17 million.