They came. They walked. They triumphed.
In an annual tradition welcoming thousands of mothers, sisters, families and friends, the Los Angeles Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer Nationally Presented by Staples exploded onto City of Hope’s campus Oct. 25 in a shower of pink.
 Thousands line up on Duarte Road to support breast cancer research. More pictures below. (Photo by Thomas Brown) |
The Walk was the last in a nationwide series of nine Walk for Hope events this year. Walk for Hope raises breast cancer awareness and provides critical funding for breast cancer research, treatment and education. Other Walk events took place earlier in San Diego, Edison, N.J., Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
Since the first participants set the pace more than a decade ago, the national Walk for Hope has garnered more than $29 million for City of Hope’s fight against breast cancer.
“Through the efforts of so many survivors and supporters, this year’s L.A. Walk for Hope was a huge success,” said City of Hope’s Courtney Webb, one of the event’s organizers. “Thousands walked, but even more advocated for the cause.”
The Los Angeles Walk for Hope brings a festival-like atmosphere to City of Hope each fall. More than 9,000 took part this year, wending through campus along either a 5-kilometer route or a 2-kilometer leisure walk.
The day featured live music, sponsored giveaways and an area with fun activities for kids. Breast cancer survivor Kommah McDowell served as hostess for the event’s opening ceremony. From the stage, she spoke passionately about her experiences overcoming an advanced, aggressive form of the disease with the help of City of Hope’s medical team.
Fundraising for the Los Angeles Walk continues and participants may continue to collect donations through Nov. 25.
“The fight isn’t over yet,” said Megyn Byrnes, director of national events. “The day itself is a wonderful chance for our community to come together, but the year-round dedication of our walkers makes the difference in City of Hope’s battle on behalf of women’s health.”
Walk for Hope’s national sponsors included presenting sponsor Staples, as well as Hilton HHonors, Ladies’ Home Journal and XM Radio’s PINK Channel.
The L.A. event was presented by grocery retailer Albertsons/SavOn Pharmacy. Farmers Insurance Group, the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association and Wells Fargo were platinum-level local sponsors.
