Beverly Breast Cancer Walk 2019: What To Know Before You Go

CHICAGO — One of Chicago's best Mother's Day traditions returns for its 20th year on Sunday, May 12. Every year, the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk benefits the Cancer Center, the Comprehensive Breast Health Center and the radiology department at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park. Once again, more than 14,000 participants are expected to gather in the neighborhood around Ridge Park to show their support for their loved ones who are battling cancer.

Here's everything you need to know if you are heading out to what has turned into one of the neighborhood's largest yearly events.

Start Time

The walk will begin at Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr. at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 12. Register here.

The Route

The route begins and ends at Ridge Park. It will head south on Longwood Drive until 105th Place, turn right to Seeley Avenue, left to 106th Street, right to Hoyne Avenue, a right on 107th Place, back north on Bell Avenue to 106th Street, left to Oakley Avenue, right on 103rd Street, left on Bell, right on 102nd Street, left on Leavitt Street, right on 98th Street, left on Seeley and right on 97th Street to Ridge Park.
The total distance is about 3.4 miles, which is longer than the 5K distance used in previous years.

Trolley

A trolley will be along the route for those unable to walk it. The trolley will pick people up near the tennis courts on 96th Street at Ridge Park and also make stops along the route.

Street Closures

Streets along the route, and some others nearby, will be closed throughout the morning.

Getting There

From Little Company of Mary, bus service will begin from 94th and California in Evergreen Park at 6:15 a.m. and drop off walkers at 95th and Longwood. A loop will run until 11 a.m.

How It All Began

The walk began in the year 2000 with founders Carol Moriarty, who is a breast cancer survivor, her sister Nancy Mulcahy and friend Lisa O’Brien.

Who Does It Benefit?

The walk benefits The Cancer Center, the Comprehensive Breast Health Center and the radiology department at Little Company of Mary Hospital. Funds raised from sign-ups go to provide state-of-the-art treatment and services to breast cancer patients and their families.

As of Wednesday, May 8, more than $344,000 has been raised as part of this year's walk.

Top Fundraisers

So far, the top fundraising team is the "Bosom Buddies," which has raised $15,290. The top individual fundraiser is Maureen Shannon, who alone has raised $10,550 for the cause this year.

The Mass

Mother McAuley High School will host a mass at Ridge Park beginning at 6:45 a.m. to begin the day. Father Tom Hurley will say the mass.

T-Shirt Pickup

Little Company of Mary has set aside certain dates for participants to pick up their T-shirts ahead of time. This year, for the first time, toddler shirts and onesies are available while supplies last. Find the date and time that works best for you here.

Sponsors

United States Brass & Copper is a platinum sponsor. First Midwest Bank and Little Company of Mary - Sisters USA are gold sponsors. Find all local businesses who are sponsoring the walk here.

Fees

Pre-Registration Walk Fee (includes t-shirt):
Adults: $30 | Children (18 and younger): $15
Day of Walk Fee (includes t-shirt while supplies last):
Adults: $40 | Children (18 and younger): $20