PHOENIX, September 17, 2008 — More than 182,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Help support research and save lives at City of Hope’s 12th annual Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 5. Participants will join breast cancer survivors and their families and friends in a 5K walk and run. Walk for Hope supports the City of Hope-Banner Bone Marrow Transplant Program and Cancer Screening & Prevention Program, located at the Banner Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, and breast cancer research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope, a leading cancer research and treatment center
Walk for Hope takes place at the Phoenix Zoo and registration is at the Salt River Project, located at 1600 N. Priest Drive. Registration begins at 6:00 a.m., with the 5K timed run beginning at 7:00 AM. The 5K team walk begins at 7:05 AM and the individual 5K walk gets underway at 7:10 a.m. Following their walk or run, participants can enjoy delicious food, giveaways, a Survivor Pavilion and much more. To register, donate or volunteer, visit www.walk4hope.org. Online registration closes October 2. Day-of registration is $35 for adults and $25 for children ages 12 and under.
“Research is saving lives every day,” said I. Benjamin Paz, M.D., co-director of City of Hope’s breast cancer program. “City of Hope’s scientists and physicians are rapidly accelerating new discoveries into more effective treatments that are shared with medical centers across the country. Funds raised by Walk for Hope participants and sponsors make this lifesaving work possible.”
Even if you cannot attend on event day, you can still register and fundraise for a cure as a virtual walker. This year, Hilton HHonors is providing a variety of incentive prizes, including Hilton HHonors bonus points for members and free night stays. Grand prize for the 2008 national top fundraiser and national top fundraising team captain will be a complimentary five-night stay at a participating Hilton Family hotel and airfare for two provided by Delta Air Lines.
Held in cities across the country, Walk for Hope events have raised more than $27 million for breast cancer research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope since its inception more than 13 years ago. This year’s Walk for Hope is nationally sponsored by Hilton HHonors, United Stationers, The Walking Company, Delta Air Lines and Good Housekeeping. The walk is locally sponsored by Wells Fargo, Casino Arizona, Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona, Banner Health, Luna, SCF Arizona, Dicks Sporting Goods, Fox 10 and My 45, and KMLE Country 108.