LivingWell Cancer Resource Center's Bridge Walk kicks off May 21

For over 15 years, the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center (part of Northwestern Medicine) of Geneva has provided compassionate care that offers hope to patients with cancer and their families. Each May, the Center hosts its annual Bridge Walk and Cancer Survivor Celebration to help patients and families connect with one another and honor the journeys of those touched by cancer.

The 2021 Bridge Walk is scheduled for the weekend of May 21. The virtual weekend 5K gives patients, families, and community members who wish to show their support, the opportunity to complete the race in the comfort of their own neighborhood at their convenience. Although the pandemic has moved the Bridge Walk to a virtual format for the second year in a row, it hasn't stopped hundreds of participants from finding safe, socially distanced ways to connect throughout the weekend or from logging their miles in support of the Center. With geography no longer a barrier, the Bridge Walk now draws participants from across the United States.

"Bridge Walk participants tell us the most meaningful part of the experience is connecting with their family and friends for the event. By going virtual, the event can now welcome people from all over the country to participate in honor or memory of someone affected by cancer," said the Center's director, Angela McCrum.

The Center will host Spirit Week the week prior to the Bridge Walk to highlight the organization's programs and the way it serves the community. LivingWell provides a wide variety of free programs, classes and services to patients with cancer and their caregivers to help them learn vital skills that enhance their quality of life. Through education and connection, patients and their caregivers have the opportunity to regain control of their cancer journey. For a peek into some of the LivingWell's programming, check out Wellness Wednesday (May 19), when the Center will share a meditation video led by a LivingWell yoga instructor and include tips to prepare for the upcoming walk.

Launching Spirit Week and hosting the Bridge Walk isn't possible without generous support from the community. Gerald Cares has been a longtime supporter of the Bridge Walk. Their contributions span from monetary donations to participating in Bridge Walk festivities. Gerald Cares is proud to sponsor the Bridge Walk once again in 2021.

"Gerald Cares is honored to continue supporting an event that means so much to the community," said Donna Lawler, Vice President of Gerald Auto Group. "LivingWell provides vital resources to patients with cancer and their families, and we're committed to helping them continue their important work."

The 2021 Bridge Walk may be one of the Center's most important events yet. In some cases, the pandemic forced people to miss regular doctor appointments or annual screenings, leading to later-stage diagnoses of cancer. In these uncertain times, LivingWell and its mission of supporting those touched by cancer has never been more valuable.

"Although most of the world stopped when the pandemic began, people continued to receive cancer diagnoses. LivingWell is committed to helping people with cancer find hope, support, education and strength throughout their journeys," said McCrum.

To register for the Bridge Walk, visit www.livingwellcrc.org/bridgewalk. To learn more about Gerald Cares, visit www.geraldcares.com.