Members of the Medical School community will Walk to Cure Cancer this weekend

Rain or shine, more than 15,000 people are expected to participate in the annual Walk to Cure Cancer being held this Sunday, Sept. 26, starting at noon on the Campus Green. Now in its 12th year, the walk has raised more than $6 million to fund life-saving cancer research and patient care at the UMass Memorial Cancer Center of Excellence, making it the largest single-day fundraising event in Central Massachusetts.

As in years past, UMass Medical School continues to have a major presence in support of the walk. “To date, 27 teams from the school have already logged contributions,” said Tamara Hampton, events coordinator in the UMass Medical School/UMass Memorial Development Office. “We expect that number to grow, and even double, at registration.”

Teams like the one from the Office of Human Resources are creatively raising money leading up to the walk. Read about how a recent the HR auction raised $1,371 for the effort. 

Last year, 56 UMMS teams raised $76,000 for the Walk. Top fundraisers among them were teams from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS Cares) and Commonwealth Medicine (led by Team Shriver of the Shriver Center). In 2008, the Department of Cancer Biology team topped the tally. All were recognized at a kick-off breakfast for team leaders that was held this June.

“Please know of our appreciation for your efforts,” Chancellor Michael F. Collins said at the breakfast. “The money that you raise will help us further our efforts in cancer research.”

Registration begins on Sunday at 10 a.m. With predicted good weather, a choice of one- or five-mile routes that take in scenic Lake Quinsigamond, and entertainment and refreshments to help keep spirits high, the day promises to be fun filled. Last-minute walkers are welcome and there is still time to make pledges. Call 508-856-2589, e-mail walktocurecancer@umassmed.edu or visit www.walktocurecancer.org to learn more.