Stamford Health's '2023 Hope In Motion' Walk Raises Nearly $500K

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Health has raised nearly $500,000 as part of its annual Hope in Motion walk event, which was held on June 11 at Mill River Park.

Cancer survivors and their families were honored during the walk, which featured a celebration in the park complete with a DJ, photo booth, survivor photo and tribute wall, along with other activities for participants.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards supporting clinical studies and programs for cancer patients at Stamford Health's Bennett Cancer Center.

For Dr. Steve Lo, director of medical oncology at the center, the walk is always a special event.

"It's very inspiring," Lo told Patch. "It's just a thrilling event because as someone who treated a lot of the patients there, a lot of times during active treatment we feel like we're in the trenches... It's just wonderful seeing [former patients] back to normal with their families. It was like a party, and it was a celebration for all of our patients. At the same time, we're raising money for very important programs."

The Bennett Cancer Center has a close partnership with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the world-renowned cancer hospital in Boston, Mass. Funds from the walk will go towards strengthening that partnership.

Stamford Health conducts research with Dana-Farber and clinical studies involving cancer drugs so patients in Stamford can have access to them without having to travel far, Lo explained.

Bennett Cancer Center also conducts "Tumor Boards" every week where physicians review new cancer patients. The sessions are attended by Dana-Farber oncologists and specialists who often offer opinions for patients.

"When any family member has cancer, we all want to make sure that we leave no stone unturned," Lo said. "We want to make sure we look at everything, and by tapping into that resource[with Dana-Farber], that's what our patients are benefiting from."

Money will also be used to enhance psychotherapy programs with social workers at Bennett Cancer Center, and simple, yet important initiatives such as massage and art programs that are aimed to reduce stress for those undergoing cancer treatment.

Programs for post-treatment exercise and nutrition will also receive support, Lo said.

"A lot of our patients when they come for treatment are really not into any kind of exercise. After treatment, that's our opportunity to change their lifestyle. Lifestyle is so important in terms of reducing future risk of cancer," Lo said.

During Sunday's walk, Lo said he spent the majority of his time walking with a patient he treated 27 years ago.

"His odds were not very good," Lo said. But the man was able to make a recovery. This year marked his 27th Hope in Motion walk.

"It was just wonderful," Lo added. "It was good to see him and his family, and for him to be healthy when the odds were against him."

Stamford Health is collecting donations for the walk until Sept. 30. For more information and to donate, click here.