Each year, my family and I would do the walk to cure ALS in honor of my late grandmother who was affected by ALS. I would always look forward to the walk because it was a time to reconnect with cousins and to keep the memory of my grandmother alive. In recent years, I haven’t been able to do this since I am far away from home, so when I read about the Cancer Resource Center Walkathon I knew that it was something that I wanted to do.

The CRC Walkathon, this weekend, was a meaningful way for me to continue this tradition, as well as to honor my grandfather who was recently diagnosed with cancer. It’s been hard for me to watch him go through cancer and know that there’s nothing that I could do. However, seeing all of the survivors and cancer patients at the walk cheering for the participants or even walking made me feel inspired and gave me hope. Despite going through so much, everyone took time out of their busy lives to support others. After speaking to people at the walk, I see what an incredible community the CRC has built for patients, survivors, and caretakers.

Overall, the CRC Walkathon was an enlightening experience for me. I got to continue a family tradition and see how amazing it is when a community rallies around a cause.