Dozens of cancer survivors and hundreds of supporters gathered in Stamford”™s Mill River Park on June 11 to strike raise funds for research and treatment during the Hope in Motion Walk.
Darrell Harvey, executive chairman of Ashforth Co. and a member of the Stamford Health Investment Committee, took to the stage to congratulate the walkers for their efforts.
“This is our 28th year of this event and I”™m very proud to say that over this period of time the event has raised over $18 million for the Bennett Cancer Center,” he said. “All the people who have come for many years we really appreciate you, and some of you are first timers.”
Dr. Steve Lo, director of medical oncology at the Bennett Cancer Center, thanked the walkers for their participation.
“The funds raised through this event allow us to continue to provide some of the vital programs and services to support our cancer patients and their families,” he said. “I see firsthand what differences these supportive programs can make. So please know that your fundraising does make a difference and that we are all extremely grateful for your support.”
Walkers paid registration fees of up to $50, and those who raised at least $100 earned a commemorative T-shirt. Lo extended special congratulations to Joan Weisman and her fundraising team made up of residents from the Edgehill senior living community that raised $60,000, and the walkers were treated to complimentary food and drinks from vendors including Caf̩ Nero, Super Duper Weenie, NoraӪs Ovenworks Tasty Yolk, and Candy Connection.
“What a beautiful day,” Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons remarked as she addressed the crowd. “And what an amazing turnout! I hear we have over a thousand people who came out today. We are so lucky to have such a world class hospital here in our city. I know I”™m biased because I had my three babies there. We”™re so grateful to have them in our city, they”™re our largest employer and they do so much for the community.”
Kathleen Silard, president and CEO of Stamford Health, extended thanks to the many participants and partners.
“I have to say it was a huge success as we make our way back in this post-pandemic era to be able to get together like this and celebrate the Bennett Cancer Center and everything that we”™re doing for our community,” she said. “The walk is very special to many of us because each year it brings us together as a community, a community of people that give us a chance to remember and celebrate everyone whose lives have been touched by cancer.”
Participating cancer survivors gathered for a photo after the walk”™s conclusion, including homemaker Marlene Gatz, who has been fighting cancer since 2005 and received a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer in 2013. She credited the Bennett Cancer Center with saving her life and Hope in Motion with creating a powerful positive atmosphere that keeps her inspired.
“It”™s an amazing experience,” Gatz said of the Hope in Motion Walk and the outpouring of support on display, as well as the opportunity to stand with fellow survivors. “It”™s so inspirational to know that all of these other people are out here just like me, and it gives you so much hope. It”™s a wonderful community feeling.”
