Members of the UMPO Strides for a Cure team pose for a picture at Polar Park. (From left to right, Brian Girard, Kate Girard, Amanda Onwuka, Doug Oliver, Jillian Warren, Akshit Mehta, Kristina England, Garret Oliver, Jodi Oliver, Kelsey McCauley, Ruth O’Keefe, Christopher O’Keefe, Aaron O’Keefe, Jacquie Kittler, Taylor Kittler, Rob Hyde)
On Sunday, September 28th, 18 members of the President’s Office and their families participated in the 27th annual UMass Cancer Walk hosted at Polar Park in Worcester. The President’s Office team, nicknamed “UMPO Strides for a Cure,” was composed of members from various departments, including HR, UPST, Access, and UITS, and raised over $2,000 for efforts at UMass Chan.
Members of the UMPO Strides for a Cure are enjoying their walk through downtown Worcester. (From left to right, Alain Blanc, Jazzi Blanc, Amanda Onwuka, Akshit Mehta, Rob Hyde)
The UMass Cancer Walk was started in 1999 by Dottie Manning and her friend Bob Haynes after Dottie lost both her husband and son to cancer. The 3-mile walk is dedicated to raising donations to support critical cancer research and clinical trials at UMass Chan. Since 1999, supporters have raised over $17 million for research efforts.
Members of the UMPO Strides for a Cure team speak with local media about why the event matters to them.(From left to right, Garret Oliver, Doug Oliver)
The 2025 walk was a 3-hour event, featuring speakers from UMass Chan and cancer survivors who have been impacted by the work accomplished using the funds raised. The event generated a total of over $450,000, with more than 130 teams and 1,600 members participating. Donations for UMass Chan remain open through December.
Anyone who wishes to learn more about the UMass Cancer Walk or to read stories from those impacted can do so by visiting the UMass Cancer Walk website.