Quabbin Reservoir Set to Host Walk of Champions on May 5

WARE — Sunday, May 5 marks the eighth annual Walk of Champions. Once again the Goodnough Dike area of the Quabbin Reservoir will be filled with hundreds of people walking in honor or in memory of loved ones affected by cancer, all with the determination to make a difference in those affected by the disease.

“Last year, a record 1,200 walkers from area communities participated in the Walk of Champions, which is held annually on the first Sunday in May to benefit cancer-care services at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital,” said Lori Tuttle, program manager of the Baystate Regional Cancer Program Oncology Satellite at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital. “Planning for the 2013 walk is underway, and we are delighted that this year’s walk will once again include live music by Ware paramedic Christopher Gagnon, who will be on stage for a moving tribute to all who walk in honor or memory of those touched by cancer.”

Added Chuck Gijanto, president of Baystate Regional Markets, which includes Baystate Mary Lane Hospital (BMLH), “keeping cancer care local is important, and we are honored by the many area businesses that sponsor our walk and the hundreds of walkers who participate in the Walk of Champions. We are so fortunate in this region to be surrounded by a generous community. In 2012 more than 1,200 walkers raised $77,400 in an extraordinary show of support for friends, family members, and neighbors who have been touched by cancer.

Since 2006, the Walk of Champions has raised more than $377,000. Funds raised through the Baystate Health Foundation and have been used to help family-support counseling, educational outreach, pastoral care, medications, and state-of-the-art equipment.” Last September, the Baystate Regional Cancer Program at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital expanded and relocated its outpatient care and infusion services to a new space on the fourth floor of the hospital, formerly the Women & Infants Unit.

In the expanded space, experts from the Baystate Regional Cancer Program at Baystate Medical Center provide convenient access to comprehensive cancer care, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care in Ware.

The Walk of Champions offers a five-mile or two-mile walk among the comfortable walking terrain of the Goodnough Dike. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided along the walk route. Country Bank for Savings is the presenting sponsor of the Walk of Champions, and is joined by local business including Heath New England and Janine’s Frostee in the commitment to raise funds to benefit integrated cancer services at BMLH.

Pledge forms are available for businesses, community organizations, and community members who are participating in the walk. Registration for the walk, fund-raising resources, and more, including online giving opportunities, can be found on the Walk of Champions website, www.baystatehealth.org/woc.

For more information about the walk, or to find out how you can become involved, call Michelle Graci at (413) 794-7654 or michelle.graci@baystatehealth.org.