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Contact: Emily DiTomo, ditomoe@email.chop.edu or 267-426-6063
The Four Seasons Parkway Walk & Run raised over $1 million to support childhood cancer research and survivorship programs at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Held on September 19, more than 9,000 runners, walkers, doctors, nurses and children with cancer and their families participated in the event, held at Lincoln Financial Field. Mark Sanchez, of the Philadelphia Eagles, served as honorary chair, with Comcast SportsNet and WIP’s Michael Barkann and 98.1 WOGL’s Valerie Knight serving as this year’s hosts.
“The extraordinary success of the Parkway Run & Walk is a tribute to the dedication and incredible support of the entire CHOP community, as well as our neighbors in Philadelphia and beyond,” said Stephen Hunger, MD, chief of the Division of Oncology and director of the Center for Childhood Cancer Research at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Each year, this event helps to fund innovative new research and treatments aimed at eradicating childhood cancer and minimizing the long-term side-effect of some treatments,” he continued. “To see the community come together for one day and for one cause is truly remarkable.”
“I was honored to be a part of the Four Seasons Parkway Run & Walk, which helps make a difference in the lives of children with cancer,” said Mark Sanchez, honorary chair. “I am proud to have partnered with the Cancer Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to support new research and treatments so that we can put an end to childhood cancer once and for all.”
Dramatic strides have been made in the treatment of childhood cancers as a direct result of laboratory and clinical research, which have led to new treatment approaches, and CHOP has been at the forefront of this progress. However, too many children still succumb to their cancers, and many survivors still face long-term side effects from treatment, such as second cancers, infertility, cognitive impairment, and heart and growth problems, making it vital to continue the search for more effective and less toxic treatments.
Held every September, the Four Seasons Parkway Run & Walk is the largest annual fundraiser for the Cancer Center at CHOP. This hallmark event is a poignant finale as part of the Cancer Center’s efforts to raise funds and awareness during September’s National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Visit www.parkwayrun.org or www.chop.edu/cancer to learn the many ways to become an advocate.