ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — The Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes is hosting a Walkathon on October 5th at Cass Park to garner support for those affected by cancer.

The CRC itself is a small agency that supports cancer patients, their loved ones, or anybody else dealing with the hardships that come along with a cancer diagnosis. They offer one-one-one support, support groups, educational webinars and classes, and more services to anyone who needs them.

This is the thirtieth year the CRC has been in business, and in that time they have had around twenty-five walkathons. The walkathon itself has both a two mile walk loop at Cass Park, as well as a 5k run with an official timer that anyone can sign up for.

Donor Relations and Marketing Coordinator for the CRC Carla Baudrons says there are typically two hundred to four hundred people in attendance at the walkathons.

“We usually encourage people who have had family and friends with cancer who they would like to honor, those currently fighting cancer, or those who are survivors to come. People can make teams and help fundraise and we typically have friendly contests to help with fundraising.”

A cancer survivor herself, Baudrons understands exactly how important it is to rally around those who are experiencing the trials and tribulations of having cancer or being close to someone who does, and even changed her career path because of it.

“I was going through my diagnosis and treatment during the peak of the pandemic, which was extremely lonely. Even despite that, I still was able to experience community and people showing up for me which was so impactful. You don’t realize how important it is until something like this happens to you, how beneficial it is for you as an individual to be supported and be able to support people. It’s the best thing in the world,” she says.

Any information on how to register to run, walk, volunteer, fundraise, donate, or make or join a team can be found on their website here.