Vital cancer research underway at UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center continues all day, every day—as long as there is funding for it. One event that helps keep that research going strong is fast approaching: The UMass Medicine Cancer Walk. On Sunday, Sept. 25, participants in this annual community event will walk together to raise money in support of the ongoing and dedicated efforts of the UMass Medicine Cancer Center of Excellence.
One of numerous research initiatives at UMMS supported by money raised from the walk is that of Brian Lewis, PhD, associate professor of molecular medicine. A leader in the field of cancer genetics, Dr. Lewis is studying the molecular basis of pancreatic and liver cancer, research that is leading to new insights into how genes in tumor cells differ from those in normal cells. In this video, he discusses his work and why money raised through the UMass Medicine Cancer Walk is so important to advancing cancer research.
The 2011 UMass Medicine Cancer Walk (formerly the Walk to Cure Cancer) will take place rain or shine, with a choice of five- and one-mile loops beginning and ending at UMass Medical School campus in Worcester. In addition to the name change, the time has changed. This year, the walk begins at 10 a.m., with registration starting at 8 a.m. Parking lots at Biotech Park on Plantation Street as well as all on-campus parking garages will be open at no charge. Due to the number of participants, carpooling is recommended.
While individuals and teams walk for different reasons—some walk as proud cancer survivors, others walk to show their support for those fighting cancer, others walk to remember a loved one—their efforts yield the same important result: all money raised supports research and care at the UMass Medicine Cancer Center of Excellence. There is still time to form teams and obtain donations—learn how at www.umassmed.edu/cancerwalk/index.aspx.
Related link on UMassMedNow:
Emotional stories launch UMass Medicine Cancer Walk
Telegram & Gazette: Walkers going the distance to help charities this fall
