Patient Care

Wilmot Cancer Institute’s third annual Warrior Walk June 14 supports cancer survivors

Jun. 4, 2015
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UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute will host the third annual Warrior Walk to celebrate life beyond cancer on June 14 at the University of Rochester’s River Campus. This year’s event features a certified 5K, certified 10K and a 1-mile walk. Proceeds from the event benefit Wilmot’s Judy DiMarzo Cancer Survivorship Program, established in 2012 to help survivors navigate the challenges that arise from their cancer and treatment.

“The survivorship program is committed to providing all patients with an understanding of their disease, treatment, follow-up schedule, possible long-term side effects and available resources through an individualized treatment summary survivorship care plan,” said Alicia Coffin, M.S.N., R.N., O.C.N., lead program coordinator with the Judy DiMarzo Cancer Survivorship Program. “The survivorship visits provide an opportunity for the patient to ask questions, have concerns addressed and get involved in activities and services to help with the journey that follows cancer treatment.”

The Warrior Walk will feature more than races. Participants can also enjoy bounce houses, food, music and family fun.  Also, as part of the event June 14, Wilmot will honor six cancer survivors:

  • Bethany Marsh of Avon, survivor of acute lymphocytic leukemia
  • Cheri Struble of Canandaigua, survivor of breast cancer
  • Chris Wanjon, of Greece, survivor of cancer of the tongue, and his wife, Jeanne
  • Karie Kilner of Chili and Stacy Snyderman of Penfield, both breast cancer survivors who’ve been advocates for pancreatic cancer awareness
  • Naomi Garwood, of Barker, New York, survivor of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Tony DiGaetano, of Henrietta, survivor of multiple myeloma
  • Karl Klein, of LeRoy, survivor of lung cancer, and his wife, Debbie

These survivors were nominated by Wilmot staff and others for their inspiring attitudes and willingness to help others going through cancer treatment. The public is invited to help support the Survivorship Program and honor these and celebrate countless others. 

“Our program is privileged to serve our community, and the Warrior Walk raises awareness not only of our program, but also of cancer survivorship with all of its challenges," Louis “Sandy” Constine, M.D., director of the Judy DiMarzo Cancer Survivorship Program. “People come together to support one another. Whether you’re a caregiver, a newly diagnosed patient or a 25-year cancer survivor, you can join a group of people who are passionate about helping one another along the journey that begins with cancer. Being active and involved is a vital part of cancer survivorship, so having a run or walk gives everyone an opportunity to share in this journey.”

The Warrior Walk is sponsored by Erdman Anthony, Fleet Feet Sports, Karma Wellness Water, Manning & Napier, Morgan Stanley, Wegmans, Ganson Rose Equipment and Zeller Automation, Control & Energy.

Registration for the Warrior Walk is $25. Participants can register online before noon Thursday, June 11, or they can register at the event, beginning at 9 a.m. on June 14. To learn more or register as an individual or team, visit http://teamraiser.rochester.edu/warrior-walk-2015