Virtual UMass Cancer Walk and Run to take place Sept. 13
Online program for the 22nd annual event will celebrate community’s support for adult and pediatric cancer research and care, and clinical trials at UMass Chan Medical School
Aug. 31, 2020
At 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, the quad on the UMass Chan Medical School campus will be unusually quiet. Instead of thousands gathering in person to walk and/or run in support of cancer research, care and clinical trials at UMass Chan, supporters will be participating virtually in the 22nd annual UMass Cancer Walk and Run.
“This is our first-ever virtual event and we’re so grateful this option was available,” said Rich Carr, chair of the UMass Cancer Walk and Run steering committee. “We’re glad we’re still able to bring our supporters together, and feedback from team leaders, fundraisers and sponsors about the different format has been very positive. This pandemic postponed or stopped many things, but it didn’t stop cancer. And it certainly didn’t stop supporters of the UMass Cancer Walk and Run.”
According to Nanette Duquette, director of community fundraising at UMass Chan and the event’s lead organizer, fundraising to date has been energetic and robust.
“The community has really rallied behind us this year,” she said. “Sponsorships are up, thanks to the fantastic support of organizations of all sizes. And money raised by individuals and teams has, so far, aligned with what was raised by this point in previous years.”
As with any fundraiser, the final weeks leading to the event are crucial—and very active—for fundraising efforts.
“We’ve been seeing a lot of donation activity online and through our fundraising teams lately, which is very encouraging,” said Duquette. “To anyone who asks me how they can help, I tell them: Make your gift now because every dollar matters, and only with your help will a cure be found.”
Event details
Carr and Duquette, who each have a very personal history with cancer, will co-host the online event. Carr is a two-time cancer survivor and a dedicated supporter of the UMass Cancer Walk and Run. Duquette and her family have supported the event since 2012 through their fundraising team Bobby’s Bullpen, which honors her son Bobby, a pediatric cancer survivor who will turn 20 this year.
Programming will begin at 10 a.m. on this website and Facebook, and will include remarks from medical school and local leaders, check-ins with fundraising teams and cancer patients, and recognition of the event’s numerous sponsors. Special guests include Ricky Duran, a Central Massachusetts native who was a finalist in season 17 of “The Voice;” Toneisha Harris, a finalist in season 18 of "The Voice;" and Jenny Johnson, co-host of NESN’s “Dining Playbook” and WBZ’s “Food for Thought” programs. The theme will focus on gratitude and the importance of donor support.
In keeping with the event’s “Your pace, your place!” tagline, supporters are encouraged to do their walks and/or runs at locations and distances of their choosing, and to share their experiences through photos and video via social media on or before event day. Event organizers are also inviting supporters to participate in Walk Week Challenges during the week of Sept. 6, as a way to increase engagement and particip