In a year when City of Hope expanded the mission of Walk for Hope Nationally Presented by Staples, thousands across the nation rallied behind the long-running series of fundraising walks.

Walk for Hope participants enjoy their trek at the Los Angeles event. (Photo by Phil Kong)

Previously dedicated exclusively to the fight against breast cancer, Walk for Hope began raising funds for the broader Women’s Cancers Program in 2010. This strategic integrated program unites physicians, scientists and other professionals seeking answers for breast and gynecologic cancers.

More than 17,000 survivors and supporters around the country took to the streets for the cause, garnering more than $2.1 million. The 2010 effort pushed Walk for Hope’s overall fundraising total to more than $31 million raised over 16 years.

“We’re all in awe of the dedication shown by our walkers,” said Megyn Byrnes, City of Hope director of national events. “Not only did we get tremendous support from community members, survivors, caregivers and volunteers from outside City of Hope, but we also appreciate how City of Hope employees support the event and make a difference.”

In 2010, Walk for Hope took place in San Diego, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles. Supporters all over the country also raised money through the virtual event called “Anytown, USA.”

Ladies’ Home Journal and Farmers Insurance Group served as national sponsors, with Staples returning as national presenting sponsor. Events in San Diego and Los Angeles also received backing from local presenting sponsor Albertsons/Sav-On Pharmacy. Other local presenting sponsors were Bartell Drugs in Seattle and aspenhome and Albertsons LLC in Phoenix.

A number of notables stepped out to show their support for the quest to end women’s cancers. Festivities in Los Angeles included a performance by singer-songwriter Kari Kimmel, whose song “Great Big World” provided the soundtrack for public service announcements promoting Walk for Hope. Television reporter Ruben Galvan and radio personality Geena the Latina emceed the San Diego event.

The top money-raising walks occurred in Los Angeles, Seattle and Phoenix. The Los Angeles Walk for Hope, held Nov. 7, raised more than $935,000 thanks to more than 8,000 walkers. In Seattle on Oct. 3, more than 2,000 walkers turned out to garner more than $221,000. The Phoenix event on Sept. 26, also featuring more than 2,000 participants, raised more than $155,000.

The top fundraising team nationwide was Chicago’s “C is for Courage, S is for Strength.” The team raised more than $33,000 to take the top honor for the fifth year in a row. Its captain, Chelli Fishman, brought in more than $17,000, making her the top individual fundraiser in 2010. The second-highest individual total belonged to Los Angeles’ Martin Ploy, who raised more than $15,000.

City of Hope employees made a strong showing in support of Walk for Hope, as well. The Home Team, comprising 650 staffers, family and friends, raised more than $49,000 for the Women’s Cancers Program.

The first Walk for Hope event of 2011 is scheduled for Washington, D.C., on April 10. The route begins on Pennsylvania Avenue, where walkers will enjoy a view of the Capitol. The San Diego event is scheduled for May 21, and San Francisco’s walk will take place June 4. Walk for Hope events in Philadelphia, Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle and Los Angeles follow in the fall.

For more information or to register, please visit www.walk4hope.org.