Holy Cross community raises nearly $18K in Walk to Cure Cancer

Walk to Cure Cancer.

Holy Cross is a flagship sponsor of this unique fundraising event, which over the years has raised millions of dollars to support cutting-edge cancer research and build the UMass Memorial Cancer Center, the world-class research center in Worcester.

At noon on Sept. 23, the Holy Cross group — along with 14,000 other participants — began the five-mile loop around Lake Quinsigamond. The Holy Cross team wore matching purple Holy Cross T-shirts; and many wrote the names of people for whom they were walking on the back of the shirts.

Before stepping off, Rev. John Brooks, S.J. ’49, president emeritus of Holy Cross, asked the crowd to pause for a moment of silence and prayer for those fighting cancer, for cancer survivors, for friends and family members who have died.

Scores of Holy Cross workers — from Housekeeping, the Physical Plant, and Dining Services — joined the Holy Cross team. Varsity athletes from the ice hockey, track, and basketball teams took time out of their weekend to raise money and lend support. Purple-clad children and grandchildren of Holy Cross employees enthusiastically joined the walk.

Individuals and departments made special commitments this year. Led by faculty members, the College’s economics department raised more than $2,500, in support of colleagues who have been hard hit by cancer in the past year. Kristin Neal ’08 asked classmates, families, and friends to sponsor her—and even hosted a T-shirt “decorating” party in her residence hall one evening before the walk to raise awareness. The result: more than $1,700.