LivingWell hosts virtual Bridge Walk this year to celebrate cancer survivors, patients
LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, part of Northwestern Medicine, has hosted a Bridge Walk to celebrate and honor cancer survivors and those still fighting since it first opened 15 years ago. Determined not to let the pandemic stop them from hosting the event this year, the center quickly got to work transforming the typically in-person walk into a virtual affair.
Instead of hosting the event in May, LivingWell Cancer Resource Center's Bridge Walk and Northwestern Medicine's Cancer Survivors' Day Celebration partnered for a new virtual event on Sept. 25. LivingWell also hosted a kickoff event in July with help from the 2020 Bridge Walk's presenting sponsor, Gerald Subaru of Naperville. LivingWell staff, friends and family hosted a car parade and cheered for cancer patients and survivors who registered for the Bridge Walk as they drove by. The event raised spirits and reminded everyone of the center's important mission.
“We are honored to be able to sponsor LivingWell Cancer Resource Center. On a daily basis, they help the same community members we serve face some of the toughest times of their lives. Their work is amazing, and it takes events like the Bridge Walk to enable them to continue their support,” said Alec McKean of Gerald Auto Group.
Participants registered for the 2020 Bridge Walk and followed the event's motto to walk at their place and their pace. Many chose to complete their run or walk during the actual evening event on Sept. 25, which featured a livestreamed concert by DJ Nicky V, who spun tunes from LivingWell's kitchen and a virtual photo booth where participants could post photos from their walk. Despite the physical distance, the virtual event still allowed survivors to feel like they were walking together in mind and spirit.
“We hoped the community would embrace the virtual event and it certainly did,” said Kathleen Thomas, philanthropy coordinator for Northwestern Memorial Foundation. “We had over 500 people participate.”
To date, the virtual Bridge Walk has raised over $131,000 for LivingWell and its programs. Fundraising is open until Oct. 25 and Thomas hopes that number continues to climb. Through events like Bridge Walk, Northwestern Medicine's LivingWell Cancer Resource Center is able to provide over 100 free programs to cancer patients and their families including workout classes, yoga, group therapy, art therapy, nutrition services, a wig boutique, and many others. While the building is currently closed with the exception of a few classes, they've been able to transition their offerings to a virtual platform so patients and families can continue accessing services during this time. This event and sponsors like Gerald make it possible for the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center to continue providing compassionate care that encourages, empowers and offers hope to patients and their families.
“Donations like the one Gerald provided allow the center to put funds toward the most needed programs and help us make changes that are necessary to deliver care in this new virtual world,” said Thomas.
For more information on LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, visit: https://livingwellcrc.org.