Baystate Health’s Wheeling for Healing Fundraiser Returns May 7 at Yankee Candle Village

SPRINGFIELD — What began as a grassroots employee effort is hitting the road again to become one of the only comprehensive cancer fundraisers in the area.

The Wheeling for Healing Ride, Walk, Run will return on Sunday, May 7 at a new location, Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, and with an expanded mission to support cancer care and services across Baystate Health.

“We are so thrilled to be hitting the pavement again, especially with our new partners at Yankee Candle Village on board,” said Kathy Tobin, director of Annual Giving & Events for Baystate Health Foundation. “The expansion of Wheeling for Healing’s mission allows us to reach anyone who has been impacted by cancer care at Baystate Health and continue to raise awareness about the many ways this event can support these crucial services throughout our community. We want to be here to support all of our patients, regardless of what point of their cancer journey they are in or where they receive care.”

Wheeling for Healing will host 10-, 25-, and 50-mile cycling routes, as well as a 5K for walkers and runners. There is no fundraising minimum, and registration fees begin at $10 for children under 12, $25 for those ages 13-17, and $40 for adults ages 18 and older.

To pre-register as an individual, form a team, or join an existing team, visit baystatehealth.org/wheelingforhealing. Those who register online will be set up with their own fundraising webpage that can be shared with family, friends, and colleagues to raise funds for the event, which will support cancer care and resources at Baystate Health. Pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt at the event.

To donate to a participant or team fundraising for the event, or to make a general donation, visit baystatehealth.org/wheelingforhealing.

Registration at the event will begin at 8:30 a.m. for the 50-mile start, 9:30 a.m. for the 25-mile start, 10 a.m. for the 10-mile start, and 11 a.m. for the 5K start.

All proceeds raised will remain local to support cancer care and services in Western Mass. Since its founding in 2008, Wheeling for Healing has raised more than $538,000, providing funding that has supported the purchase of more comfortable infusion chairs and new exam tables, as well as programs for patients and survivors, including art therapy, writing, and yoga.