Quabbin Reservoir to Host 14th Annual Walk of Champions on May 5

WARE — Sunday, May 5 marks the 14th annual Walk of Champions, where hundreds of walkers will come together in honor and in memory of loved ones affected by cancer.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, community organizations, and community members who want to participate in the walk. Registration for the walk, fundraising resources, and more, including online giving opportunities, can be found on the Walk of Champions website at www.baystatehealth.org/woc.

“Keeping cancer care local is critical for us and to our patients, their families, and our communities,” said Michael Moran, president and chief administrative officer for Baystate Mary Lane and Baystate Wing Hospital. “We are grateful to the many area businesses that sponsor our walk and the hundreds of walkers who participate in the Walk of Champions each year.”

Since its inception in 2006, the Walk of Champions has raised more than $900,000, and all funds have remained local to support those facing cancer. In 2018, Baystate Mary Lane announced an expansion was underway to the Baystate Regional Cancer Program located in Ware. The project, which doubled the size of the unit, was made possible primarily through Walk of Champions funds. Walk funds have also been used to support counseling, educational outreach, pastoral care, medications, state-of-the-art equipment, and the Healing Garden located on the Mary Lane campus. 

“We continue our commitment to providing exceptional, high-level cancer-care services in the Baystate Mary Lane community,” said Dr. Chandra Loke, hematologist/oncologist. “And our patients come from many area communities to receive their treatment here because of the expert care as well as the atmosphere of hope and friendship that we are known for.”