LivingWell's Bridge Walk to honor those touched by cancer

On Saturday, June 4, the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, part of Northwestern Medicine, will continue its annual tradition of hosting the Bridge Walk & 5K Celebrating Cancer Survivors to connect families and patients with one another and honor the journeys of those touched by cancer.

After two years of virtual options, the Bridge Walk returns as an in-person event at Northwestern Medicine Field, home of the Kane County Cougars, in Geneva. The day kicks off with a walk and 5K run followed by a fun-filled festival. For the first time, the Bridge Walk is offering a chip-timed 5K for those looking to challenge themselves to complete a timed run. While participants are encouraged to register early, event-day registration will open at 8 a.m., with the opening ceremonies beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the race kicking off soon after.

"This event is an opportunity for families, friends and the community to come together to honor anyone impacted by cancer and celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day," said LivingWell Director Angela McCrum.

Following the race, attendees can enjoy a festival at the ballpark, which includes music, running the bases, chair massages, arts and crafts, and more. Participants can also stop by the Gardens of Hope display. In 2021, a Garden of Hope was installed at each Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center to help brighten the days of patients, families, and caregivers as they walk into the building. Flowers from each garden will be moved to Northwestern Medicine Field on June 4 for Bridge Walk attendees to enjoy.

Those wanting to carry on the Garden of Hope tradition can purchase an artificial flower from the Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center of their choosing.

Events like Bridge Walk help support LivingWell's programming, classes and services. For almost two decades, LivingWell has provided compassionate care and programming that offers hope to patients with cancer and their families. All the Center's offerings - including counseling, social work, support groups, nutrition education, yoga and fitness classes, art instruction, touch therapy such as reiki and reflexology, medical presentations, and the wig boutique - will benefit from proceeds from the walk. Programs, provided free of charge, give both patients and caregivers opportunities to learn vital skills that enhance their quality of life.

Events like the Bridge Walk aren't possible without the support of generous community partners. Gerald Cares has supported the Bridge Walk for many years, and delights in seeing its positive impact on all who participate. McCrum said they could not host the event without the support of their generous sponsors, and that contributions not only support race day, but also greatly impact all the services that LivingWell provides to patients with cancer and their families.

"Gerald Cares is proud of the work that LivingWell does each and every day and is humbled to see the difference they make in the lives of both patients and family members. We are honored to continue supporting an organization that does so much good for the community," said Donna Lawler, Vice President of the Gerald Auto Group.

To register for the Bridge Walk, visit https://livingwellcrc.org/bridgewalk.

To learn more about Gerald Cares, visit https://geraldcares.tumblr.com.