GCC hosts 2026 Unite in the Fight Against Cancer event

On the morning of May 2, the atmosphere inside and outside the Georgia Cancer Center’s M. Bert Storey Research Building was one of undeterred optimism. While rain often poses a logistical hurdle for outdoor community events, the participants of the Unite in Fight Against Cancer 2026 community event demonstrated the “unwavering commitment” frequently cited by GCC leadership as the hallmark of the Augusta community.

“This event is our chance to show our patients that they are far more than a diagnosis or a statistic,” said Al Dallas, chief of staff and administrator for research operations at the Cancer Center. “When we walk together, we show Augusta and the CSRA that we are a multidisciplinary team – doctors, researchers, neighbors and friends – standing as one.”

The 2026 event kicked off with a high-energy morning featuring a Kids Zone, face painting and a festive atmosphere that defied the overcast skies. In the M. Bert Storey Research Building, the Patient/Survivor VIP Room provided a sanctuary of pampered care, offering refreshments and chair massages to those who have fought, or are currently fighting, the bravest of battles.

“Since its inception in 2018, Unite in the Fight has been more than just a fundraiser,” Dallas said. “While many walks focus on a single diagnosis, the Georgia Cancer Center’s signature event is a rally cry for everyone. Whether it’s breast cancer, lung cancer or a rare diagnosis, every patient is seen, and every journey is honored.”

By the time the official walk commenced at 10 a.m. Saturday, the energy was palpable. Guided by the cheers of volunteers at “Cheer Stations” and local law enforcement, walkers wound through Augusta University’s Health Sciences Campus. The route served as a physical tour of the center’s footprint – passing the very labs where ground-breaking clinical trials are discovered and the clinics where life-saving care is delivered.

What makes Unite in the Fight unique is where the money goes. Every single dollar raised stays in Augusta to fund patient-centered programs that traditional budgets do not always cover. Since its inaugural walk on Nov. 10, 2018, the event has demonstrated consistent growth in both participation and monetary impact. The initiative has successfully raised more than $540,000 since 2018, with every dollar reinvested directly into patient programs that enhance the clinical journey.

These investments reiterate GCC’S status as a regional hub for cancer care, serving patients from southeastern Georgia to western South Carolina. With this year’s Unite in the Fight goal set at $100,000, there is still room to grow with fundraising sitting at just over $90,000 so far.

“The 2026 Unite in the Fight Against Cancer wasn’t just a mile-long walk; it was a demonstration of institutional excellence and collective strength,” Dallas said. “Every step taken in the rain and every dollar donated brings the Georgia Cancer Center closer to a future where we can meet all the needs of our patients.”