GBMC Foundation’s 18th Annual Legacy Chase Raises $200,000+

Up to 7,000 people attended GBMC Foundation’s signature fundraising event, Legacy Chase, on Saturday, Sept. 29, at Shawan Downs in Cockeysville, Maryland. In its 18th year, the event raised more than $200,000 in support of oncology programs and services in the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC.

Legacy Chase not only served as a fun day for family and friends, but as a platform to fundraise for the GBMC Oncology Department. In July, the Samuelson Foundation made a generous pledge to name in perpetuity the Herman and Walter Samuelson Medical Director of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute held by Dr. Paul Celano. The trustees of the Samuelson Foundation made this gift to show their appreciation for the remarkable, evidence-based and compassionate care physicians, nurses, and the entire staff of GBMC provides cancer patients.

For this year’s time-honored annual tradition of steeplechase racing and family-friendly fun, GBMC continued the Hats, Horses and Hope theme to celebrate cancer survivors. Each of these symbols create a sense of comfort and strength for cancer patients.

“Legacy Chase is always a special event because it brings families together to celebrate survivorship while also continuing to raise funds and awareness for those people no matter where they are on their cancer journey,” said John B. Chessare, MD, President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare System. “The day is filled with fun events that allow the entire family to enjoy their time at Legacy Chase, all while supporting the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC.”

Stretched across 300 acres of green meadows at the scenic Shawan Downs in Northern Baltimore County, Legacy Chase attracted up to 7,000 equestrian fans, friends and families from across the region for steeplechase races, Railside tailgating, great food and family-friendly activities, including the time-honored tradition of the G. Leslie Grimes Stick Pony Race.

GBMC has worked to perfect oncology services throughout the more than 50 years of operation. The only comprehensive community cancer program certified with distinction by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer in the Baltimore region, GBMC has invested in talent and technology to provide the best for oncology patients. In addition to the treatment patients receive, they also gain support from GBMC's Oncology Support Services team, which provides free counseling, education and connections to organizations that help patients and families shoulder their burden during their time at GBMC.