City of Hope Fights Women’s Cancer with 5K Walk

One in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in her lifetime.  On Saturday, September 13, 2014, this reality will unite survivors and supporters during the 17th annual Woman’s Cancer Walk by City of Hope Philadelphia.  Look for a parade of purple and listen for the outpouring of hope as walkers travel from Campbell’s Field (401 Delaware Ave, Camden), across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, to the Arch Street Meeting House (320 Arch St, Philadelphia). Registration starts at 8:00 am, and the walk starts at 10:00 am.  Registration is $25 for adults and $15 for children at www.womenscancerwalk.org.  Share stories of hope by using @cityofhopphila #whyIwalk on twitter, and liking City of Hope Philadelphia Office on Facebook.

A participant shows of her sign of encouragement

This year, the 17th annual Walk is dedicated to Gi Cunningham.  When Gi Cunningham was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, her niece, Venita DeLaRosa-Ortiz, gathered a large group of family and friends  to raise money for cancer research.  The Walk Team Poder Latina was born. Gi researched various organizations and dedicated the Poder Latina efforts to City of Hope when she learned that 91 cents of every dollar raised went directly to research and patient care.  Gi was a staunch supporter of City of Hope; raising thousands of dollars.  Today Venita says, “Gi is  remembered fondly by her mother, sisters, husband, stepdaughter, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted family members & countless friends.  We walk in her memory.  We continue to fight.  We have hope.”

Women’s Cancer Walk is a national movement that unites survivors and supporters — women, men and children — in the fight against breast and women’s cancers. The walk is an opportunity to raise necessary funds to continue groundbreaking research, treatment and education at City of Hope and to raise awareness for breast and gynecologic cancers.

“For hundreds of thousands who face women’s cancers each year, hope is a precious thing,“ said City of Hope Philadelphia Senior Director of Development Harry Giordano. “These mothers, daughters, sisters and wives count on places like City of Hope, where award-winning care offers the chance to overcome disease and innovative research cultivates new, better therapies on the path to cures.”

Walk festivities start bright and early at 8:00am at Campbell’s Field with registration, tee-shirt pick-up,  team photos, hair streaking, survivor’s tent, and healthy snacks. Instructors from Sweat Fitness will lead group warm-ups and stretching. After the dedication ceremony, the walk officially starts at 10:00am and winds over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. City of Hope will add new selfie stations along the Bridge to compliment the best view of the city skyline. The walk then winds through Old City District and concludes at the closing ceremony at Arch Street Meeting House across from Sweat Fitness. Walkers will enjoy a performance by the Mummer’s, wellness tents, free snacks and other family fun.

Complimentary parking is available at Campbell’s Field starting at 8:00am. Walkers can return to the parking lot via a free shuttle bus that runs every half hour from 11:30am to 1:30pm from 4th and Arch streets. For those that do not drive, a free shuttle is available in the morning going from 4th and Arch streets to Campbell’s Field every half hour between 8:00am and 9:30am.

Walk registration is $25.00 for adults (13 and over) and $15.00 for youth (12 and under). All registered participants will receive a Women’s Cancer Walk tee-shirt and finish line gift. Walkers can register individually or as a team. Team awards will be given to the top fundraisers.

Women’s Cancer Walk is organized by City of Hope Philadelphia with support from platinum sponsor Sweat Fitness, as well as Old City District. This cause is near and dear to me, as my mother didn’t survive her battle with cancer,” said Old City District’s Brett Mapp. “Additionally, it is great to see that the walk will end in Old City District after taking walkers on a tour of the neighborhood. I am thrilled to also see our businesses like Sweat, and Arch Street Meeting House embracing this important cause.”

Walk registration is open now at www.womenscancerwalk.org. For more information, call 800-344-8169 toll free (or 215-985-0869), follow @CityofHopePhila on Twitter and like City of Hope Philadelphia Office on Facebook. Share the story of why you walk by using hashtag #whyiwalk on Twitter.