Wilmot Cancer Institute to Host First-Ever Wilmot Warrior Weekend This Fall

Participants may choose to do the cycling event, the 5K run/walk or the 1-mile walk – or all of the above. The cycling options includes a 27-, 55- or 75-mile course in the Finger Lakes region.

Proceeds from the weekend support cancer research and the Judy DiMarzo Cancer Survivorship Program at Wilmot Cancer Institute, the largest organization performing cancer research in the Rochester region.

“The Wilmot Warrior Walk has been a wonderful way to celebrate cancer survivors and research over the last decade, and we are excited to expand it to a weekend-long celebration this year, adding a cycling event to the mix,” says Jonathan W. Friedberg, M.D., M.M.Sc., director of Wilmot Cancer Institute. “Funds raised through the Wilmot Warrior Weekend support critical cancer research and survivorship efforts happening right in our own region. We encourage everyone to join us in the fall to support this important work that is helping patients survive and thrive here at home and around the world.”

The Wilmot Warrior Walk has raised more than $1 million for cancer research and care happening in the Rochester and the surrounding regions. The Wilmot Warrior Weekend aims to raise $5 million by 2025.

Maddy Falletti knows first-hand how important cancer research is, as she and many other members of her family have been impacted by cancer.

That’s why she decided to get involved as a Wilmot Warrior Weekend Ambassador this year.

“I said to my daughter, we need to do something,” she shares. “We can’t have all of us diagnosed with cancer and just not do anything.”

Wilmot physicians are also getting involved in the event. David Linehan, M.D., director of Clinical Operations at Wilmot and chair of the Department of Surgery at URMC, plans to participate in the cycling event in honor of his pancreatic cancer patients.

He understands how important cancer research funding is to advancing cancer care.

“Cancer care has come a long way in recent years, thanks to clinical trials, but we can’t stop here,” Linehan says. “We can’t settle for the status quo when the status quo is not good enough. This event will raise funds that help us continue to push forward for more cures.”

The event is not only meant to be a fundraiser, but also a celebration of cancer survivorship. Whether biking, walking or running, teams are encouraged to think of clever names, create fun team T-shirts and plan to celebrate after their event, whether they run, walk, bike or all three.

Sponsorships opportunities are still available. Call (585) 276-4715 or email WarriorWeekend@Rochester.edu to learn more.

Early bird registration starts at $35 for the Wilmot Warrior Walk and 5K and $100 for the Wilmot Breakaway Ride. To learn more or register, visit WarriorWeekend.URMC.edu.