Community rallies for 26th annual UMass Cancer Walk presented by Harr Toyota

More than 2,000 participants descended on Polar Park in Worcester for the 26th annual UMass Cancer Walk presented by Harr Toyota on Sunday, Sept. 29. The event honored superheroes—researchers, sponsors, volunteers, patients, survivors, family members and health care providers. This year, more than $650,000 was raised.

Since 1999, participants and supporters have raised more than $17 million for pediatric and adult cancer research and care at UMass Chan Medical School. For many teams, the cause is personal, including Team Hercules led by Ben Herk, a stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor, his wife and two sons. Following a cancer diagnosis discovered during a colonoscopy in 2018, Herk received personalized care from a cancer team at UMass Memorial Health.

“My cancer care team made me feel like I would not be fighting this disease alone and that I would get the best treatment possible. They also helped me get into the right mindset to tackle cancer,” Herk said. “I’m so grateful to all the scientists at UMass Chan, who work nonstop to do critical, lifesaving research and help develop the therapies that are transforming cancer care.”

Herk said his recent scans show no evidence of cancer. 

In addition to survivors and their families raising money for cancer research, employees did their part as well. ForHealth Consulting of UMass Chan Medical School put together a team called the ForHealth SoleMates. As of Oct. 4, the team has raised $13,430, making it the fourth highest fundraising team.

“As SoleMates, we’re all in for the fight against cancer,” said Jorge Sanchez, MEd, program director for diversity & inclusion at ForHealth. “By participating in the UMass Cancer Walk, we at ForHealth are not only showing our support but also contributing to groundbreaking research that advances treatment, healing and hope for a cure that will change lives. Together, we’re making a difference.”

“This year’s event was a spectacular success,” said John Hayes, vice chancellor for advancement. “We rely on the community for fundraising to help support the breakthrough cancer research conducted at UMass Chan Medical School. Thousands of superheroes filled the stands of Polar Park, took to the streets of Worcester and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to advance cancer research. We are truly grateful for their support.”

Top fundraisers

The following are the top five fundraising teams and individual fundraisers as of Oct. 8.

Make a gift

Donations are being accepted through Dec. 31 at umasscancerwalk.org, with 100 percent of the funds going toward research and clinical trials.