More Than 200 Walkers Unite to Celebrate Survivors and Support Local Families Impacted by Cancer

Despite the summer heat and humidity, more than 200 walkers gathered on Sunday, June 7, for the Cancer Support Center’s annual Walk of Hope & Survivor Celebration at Commissioners Park in Frankfort. The event brought together cancer survivors and patients, caregivers, family members, friends, and supporters walking in honor or memory of loved ones affected by cancer. Nearly 20 fundraising teams and individual walkers united for a morning centered on hope, support, and community.

The Walk of Hope & Survivor Celebration serves as one of the Cancer Support Center’s largest annual fundraisers, helping ensure support services remain available at no cost to anyone impacted by cancer.

Unfortunately, we live in a time when nearly everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer. – A parent, spouse, child, friend, coworker, or neighbor. As cancer diagnoses continue to rise, the need for the Center’s services and programs has never been greater.

For nearly four decades, the Cancer Support Center has helped individuals and families navigate the challenges that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Serving anyone impacted by cancer, including patients, survivors, caregivers, loved ones, and those grieving a loss. The Center provides a welcoming community and a wide range of programs designed to help ease the journey. From professional counseling and networking groups to fitness, nutrition, stress management, educational workshops, body image services, and child and family programs, CSC meets individuals where they are and helps ensure no one has to face cancer alone. In 2025, more than 1,200 individuals turned to CSC for support through more than 100 different programs and services.

The Cancer Support Center is deeply grateful for the overwhelming support shown by the community. Every registration, donation, sponsorship, volunteer hour, and act of encouragement helped make the event possible while supporting local individuals and families impacted by cancer.

Events like the Walk of Hope & Survivor Celebration are only possible because of the generosity of the community. The funds raised help ensure these vital services remain accessible at no cost to anyone impacted by cancer while also sending a powerful message that no one has to face the journey alone.

The morning began with a special Survivor Walk, where cancer survivors took part in a symbolic 10-step walk surrounded by celebration and encouragement from family and friends. Walkers then chose between a 5K route or a one-mile walk through the park.

Beyond the walk itself, the event offered activities for all ages. Children enjoyed a bounce house and activities along the route, including sidewalk chalk stations, obstacle courses, and everyone’s favorite - bubbles.

Cancer survivors were also honored with special swag bags filled with gifts and treats, including sunscreen from Bath & Body Works, Bombas socks, and other thoughtful items.

"Every step taken and every dollar raised at the Walk of Hope represents hope for someone facing cancer. Because of the incredible generosity of our walkers, sponsors, donors, and volunteers, we can continue providing vital services at no cost to local individuals and families impacted by cancer. We are so grateful for a community that shows up year after year to support one another and remind those facing cancer that they don't have to navigate this journey alone."

Kristen Kolwelter Lungsford, Executive Director of Cancer Support Center

For Special Events Coordinator Alyssa Dobbs, this wasn't just another event. - It was deeply personal. Currently battling metastatic breast cancer in her second fight against the disease. Dobbs found it incredibly meaningful to help shape a day dedicated to celebrating survivors and supporting those still in the thick of their diagnosis.

"As a two-time cancer fighter navigating a lifelong diagnosis, raising money and awareness for our organization is my top priority. I didn't know about the Cancer Support Center during my first diagnosis. Now, serving as both an employee and a participant, my life’s mission is to help others facing this disease."

Alyssa Dobbs, Special Event Coordinator

The Cancer Support Center extends special appreciation to Presenting Sponsor Affiliated Oncologists for helping make the event possible, as well as Tom’s Coffee Truck, Mariano’s, Meijer, and Orland Bakery for their contributions to a memorable morning of hope and celebration.

Fundraising efforts from teams and individual participants were impressive as the organization worked toward its $50,000 Walk of Hope fundraising goal.

Walk of Hope Award Recipients

Top Fundraising Team
Kiss My Astrocytoma

Top Individual Fundraiser
Jean A.

Rookie of the Year
Team Two Time Fighter – Linda

Legacy of Hope
Team Peg’s Pals

The heartwarming morning served as a reminder that while a cancer diagnosis can feel isolating, support, connection, and community can make a meaningful difference.

The Center is just shy of its $50,000 fundraising goal, and donations are still being accepted. Every contribution helps ensure that anyone impacted by cancer can access support, resources, and a compassionate community at no cost when they need it most.

The next opportunity to support the Cancer Support Center will be its 35th Annual Golf Outing on Monday, August 24, at Prestwick Country Club in Frankfort. This year’s event marks the outing’s debut at its new location. Registration is now open, and dinner-only tickets are also available for those who wish to participate in the evening festivities.

Community members are encouraged to follow the Cancer Support Center on social media or visit cancersupportcenter.org to learn more about upcoming programs, services, and fundraising events.

Registration for the Center’s Pink-a-Boo Walk of Hope will open soon. The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, in Homewood and will continue the organization’s mission of ensuring no one impacted by cancer has to face the journey alone.

The Center is just shy of its $50,000 fundraising goal, and donations are still being accepted. To support the Walk of Hope & Survivor Celebration and help ensure programs and services remain available at no cost to anyone impacted by cancer, visit: p2p.onecause.com/walkofhope