This year’s event, Merrimack Valley’s biggest single-day fundraiser was held at a new location, LeLacheur Park, the home of the Lowell Spinners. With the help of walkers and generous corporate sponsors, the event raised nearly $810,000, all of which will go to help cancer patients in need.
“A little rain can’t stop this community’s commitment to helping cancer patients in need,” said Jody White, CEO of Circle Health and Lowell General Hospital. “Thank you to everyone who came out for a fun day at LeLacheur Park. This money is going to make a big difference in the lives of cancer patients across the Merrimack Valley when they need it most.”
In honor of the event’s 20th anniversary, this year’s honorary chairman was Pat Crane, a retired Lowell General Hospital executive who played a vital role in creating TeamWalk and its mission.
“When we started TeamWalk 20 years ago, we had one goal – to raise funds that would exclusively stay in the Greater Lowell community to provide financial support to our friends and neighbors as they battle cancer,” she said. “I am so proud of what TeamWalk and the Cancer Center have become.”
Since its inauguration, the TeamWalk for CancerCare has raised $13 million, assisting more than 30,000 people. All TeamWalk funds go back to supporting cancer patients by paying for medications, nutritional supplements, wigs and prostheses, support groups, skilled nursing visits, transportation, mini-grants and supportive services to patients of all cancer types. In 2019, Lowell General Hospital opened its new Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program with the aid of TeamWalk funds.
This year’s event was hosted once again by WCVB Meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon and Lowell native and radio personality Lori Grande. Breast cancer survivor Kristen Kelley of Lowell made her TeamWalk debut singing the National Anthem, accompanied by the Color Guard from Lowell High School. The Presenting Sponsor was Macy’s.
The total amount raised by TeamWalk 2019 will continue to grow through events held throughout the summer and individual donations through Sept. 30, 2019. Donations may be hand-carried or mailed to TeamWalk for CancerCare, c/o Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854 or by credit card may be made online.
