Walk of Champions Boosts Expansion to Oncology Unit in Ware

WARE — Construction crews have begun working on the expansion of the Baystate Regional Cancer Program at Baystate Mary Lane. The oncology team, including doctors, nurses, program managers, architects, and hospital engineers, have worked for months planning the project, which will double the size of the unit located in Ware.

The majority of the expansion project has been paid for by funds raised by the Walk of Champions, which is held annually on the first Sunday in May at Quabbin Reservoir’s Goodnough Dike.

The 2018 Walk of Champions is set for Sunday, May 6. Founded by John O’Neill, the walk has served as a tribute to the compassionate care his mother received at the Baystate Regional Cancer Program in Ware during her cancer journey. Over the years, the walk has grown into a collection of teams and individuals each walking for their own reason. There are friends and family members celebrating victory over cancer. Others are encouraging their loved ones in their personal fight over cancer, while others walk in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer. 

“We continue our commitment to providing exceptional, high-level cancer-care services in the Baystate Mary Lane community,” said Dr. Chandravathi Loke, hematologist/oncologist. “Our goal is to offer cancer treatment specifically tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs; the entire cancer-care team at Baystate Mary Lane are sensitive to the unique challenges that each patient and family may face during their cancer journey. Our regional cancer program provides our patients with state-of-the-art treatments with personal, individually tailored cancer care close to home surrounded by the comfort of their family and friends.”

Since its inception in 2006, the Walk of Champions has raised more than $833,700, and all funds have remained local to support those facing cancer. In addition to the expansion of the cancer unit, Walk of Champions funds have been used for support counseling, educational outreach, pastoral care, medications, state-of-the-art equipment, and the Healing Garden located in the courtyard of the hospital. 

Pledge forms, fund-raising resources, giving opportunities, and more are available online for businesses, community organizations, and individuals who wish to participate; go to www.baystatehealth.org/woc. For additional information about the Walk of Champions, contact Michelle Graci, manager of Fundraising Events for the Baystate Health Foundation, at (413) 794-7654 or michelle.graci@baystatehealth.org.