Georgia Cancer Center to host inaugural Unite in the Fight Against Cancer fundraiser

Each and every person working for the Georgia Cancer Center wants to be part of improving the lives of those touched by cancer. Now, they are asking community members to pick out their favorite pair of walking shoes, lace them up and join family and friends in the fight.

On November 10, 2018, the Georgia Cancer Center will host the first annual “Unite in the Fight Against Cancer” walk. It will raise money for patient care and cancer research by bringing people together for a walk through part of the Health Sciences Campus.

“According to the American Cancer Society, there will be over 87,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Georgia and South Carolina in 2018,” said Jane Barrett, associate director for development at the Georgia Cancer Center. “We need partners within the community to allow those finding themselves at the Georgia Cancer Center to know they are getting the best care and treatment options in the state of Georgia.”

The “Unite in the Fight Against Cancer” walk will be the Georgia Cancer Center’s signature fundraiser, and participants can either create a team or join one. Each team will select the cancer they will represent, honoring those who have lost their lives to that cancer or who are still fighting. During this walk, walkers will have the opportunity to purchase an official Unite in the Fight t-shirt in the color representing their particular cancer rather than wearing the traditional colored ribbons.

“Participation in the event is a way to make a positive difference in the fight against cancer as well as honor and remember those in our community — fathers, mothers, teachers, employees, children and friends — whose lives have been impacted by cancer,” Barrett said. “One hundred percent of funds raised from the event will support cancer research, treatment advances, patient support and education at the Georgia Cancer Center.”

This fundraiser is just the latest step the Georgia Cancer Center has taken to be part of the community its doctors, nurses and other support staff serve every day. It comes during preparations to welcome Governor Nathan Deal to campus for the official opening of the expansion of the M. Bert Storey Research Building and connector building suspended over Laney-Walker Blvd. in October. This event will be the first of many to illustrate the importance of the expansion and catalyze on the partnerships needed within the CSRA to make this happen.

“We serve patients from all across southeastern Georgia and western South Carolina,” said Dr. Anand Jillella, J. Harold Harrison, MD, Distinguished University Chair in Medical Oncology. “The money raised during the walk will benefit current patients and the patients who will find themselves visiting with our staff in the years to come.”

People interested in registering for “Unite in the Fight” can sign up online. You’ll be able to sign in between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Nov. 10. The walk will start promptly at 9 a.m. There will be an after party wrap-up celebration starting at 10 a.m. More details about the after party will be released as we get closer to the event date.