Cancer Center Walk/Run to be held virtually from Oct. 1-17

Proceeds will benefit programs at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center

Staff Report

The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara will host the 29th annual Cancer Center Walk/Run as a virtual event from October 1-17. One hundred percent of these funds will support cancer research and patient supportive care programs at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. The Walk/Run hopes to generate more than $100,000 and surpass $4 million in fundraising since its inception in 1993.

For the second time in its history, the Walk/Run will be held virtually. Participants have the opportunity to complete a 5K or 10K on their own course — in their neighborhood, on a trail or at the beach — and upload their time. A presentation will be shown to participants on Oct. 17 to mark the event.

Registration is now open at www.cfsb.org/walkrun2021 . The registration fee is $40 thru Sept. 12, increasing to $50 from Sept. 13 to Oct. 17. The cost for children 12 and under participating in the Kids’ Fun Run is $20. Special incentives are offered to individuals who collect at least $100 in pledges, including free event registration, a car wash courtesy of Clean Wave Car Wash and one entry into the grand prize drawing. All participants will be entered into the general raffle for gift cards from a variety of stores.

New this year, the event will provide challenges to help participants get in shape for the event through Movespring. The platform will also be used to track 5K, 10K and Kids’ 1M times.  

Three team prizes are also awarded to the largest team, the team that generates the most money and the “First Place Team,” which raises the most money on average per person. 

In addition to recognizing teams and participants for their outstanding fundraising efforts, one individual will be awarded the Julie Main Inspiration of Hope Award. Since the event’s inception, Julie Main was inspirational in helping to organize the Walk/Run, seeking sponsors and leading the 6-Week Training Program. 

This year marks the 13th year of the event since Julie’s passing, but her legacy will be honored with recognition of a cancer survivor who exemplifies what Julie stood for: courage, perseverance and hope and serving as an inspiration to others by finding the strength to cope with cancer through exercise. Previous recipients of the award include Michael Orchowski, Lorena Ortiz-Schneider, Kate Ocean, Reggie Hepp, Rosalyn Collins, Mara Hochman, Sue Suttner, Patricia MacFarlane, Jack Bianchi, Dan Manfredonia, Patricia Mojarro and Isabelle Patton.

This year, to recognize participants who have been with the event from the start, and those who are just joining the Walk/Run for the first time, a special drawing will be held based on the number of years they have participated. Winner will be announced on social media at the conclusion of the event. Several other awards will be announced on Facebook and Instagram following the event: Most Colorful Costume; Best Quaran-team; and Social Media Influencer Awards for Facebook and Instagram.

All funds raised will benefit the Clinical Research Program and the Supportive Care Programs at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. 

Through the Research Program, new cancer treatments are made available through clinical trials across a variety of cancer diagnoses. Every one of today’s standard cancer therapies went through clinical trials before becoming generally available. While patients may choose to enter a trial to improve their own conditions, they also help map the future of cancer care for others. Through support from this event, the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center is pleased to offer local residents access to a global network of clinical trials, a benefit not afforded by all cancer treatment facilities.

The Walk/Run also benefits the Supportive Care Programs, which include genetic counseling, patient navigation, wellness classes and social work services. These programs allow the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center to provide patients with comprehensive and personalized resources and care to assist them on their journey with cancer. 

To learn more about the Walk/Run or to create a team and register for the event, please visit: www.cfsb.org/walkrun2021.

The Cancer Center gives a special thanks to their sponsors:Revitalash, Bartlett, Pringle & Wolf, LLP, Edhat, Blenders in the Grass, Blue Lizard Sunscreen and Clean Wave Car Wash.