2018 Parkway Run & Walk Raises Record-Breaking $1.38 Million

Proceeds Support Cancer Center Research and Care at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

News provided by

Oct 02, 2018, 13:53 ET

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2018 Parkway Run & Walk raised a record-breaking $1.38 million and counting to support breakthroughs in pediatric cancer research and care at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Held September 30 along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the event drew nearly 10,000 supporters, including family members, friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, local business leaders and more. Many participated in honor or memory of a CHOP patient. Michael Barkann of NBC Sports Philadelphia and Bennett of 96.5 TDY served as this year's event emcees.

The 2018 Parkway Run & Walk raised a record-breaking $1.38 million and counting for the Cancer Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The Parkway Run & Walk takes place every September and is the largest annual fundraiser for the Cancer Center at CHOP, an internationally recognized leader in pediatric cancer treatment and research. Each year, the Center treats approximately 600 newly diagnosed children.

"We were delighted to see thousands of people turn out for our Parkway Run & Walk this year in Philadelphia - our patients, families, members of our clinical and research teams and sponsors – all showing solidarity for our young cancer patients at CHOP," said Stephen Hunger, M.D., Chief of the Division of Oncology and Director of the Center for Childhood Cancer Research at CHOP. "The Parkway Run embodies everything we are about: moving forward with unity and a commitment to advancing medicine, and finding a cure for childhood cancer."

"We demand excellence of ourselves," Hunger continued. "Our families expect it, and our patients deserve it. Among the many aspects of this event that inspire me personally is seeing families who lost children continue to support Parkway, knowing more breakthroughs are around the corner. Thanks to everyone who participated in this inspiring event and helped us raise funds to pioneer tomorrow's breakthrough therapies."

Patients and families come to CHOP from around the globe to receive the best pediatric cancer care from some of the world's top clinicians. Not only are CHOP's oncologists providing the most advanced treatments for pediatric cancers, they are also working every day to develop new therapies, as well as addressing the late effects of cancer treatment felt by those who have won their fight.

A hallmark event, the Parkway Run & Walk is a poignant finale as part of the Cancer Center's efforts to raise funds and awareness during September's National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, thousands of participants converge on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, many with signs and t-shirts dedicated to children in the community with cancer. It is a time of celebration and reflection, and an opportunity to re-connect with the doctors, nurses and staff from the Cancer Center.

Although the month of September is over, research to advance treatment for childhood cancer continues. Visit www.parkwayrun.org or www.chop.edu/cancer to learn the many ways you can become an advocate.

Like the CHOP Cancer Center on Facebook.
Follow the CHOP Cancer Center on Twitter.

About the Cancer Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has one of the largest pediatric cancer programs in the United States, which is continuously top-ranked by U.S.News & World Report and by Parents Magazine. Its large basic and clinical research programs are particularly strong in pediatric neuro-oncology, neuroblastoma, leukemia and lymphoma, and sarcomas. Of all pediatric institutions, Children's Hospital enrolls the most patients in national clinical trials, working in close collaboration with national organizations such as the Children's Oncology Group. Physicians at Children's Hospital have had pioneering roles in developing international standards for diagnosing and treating neuroblastoma, and in developing programs for survivors of childhood cancer.

About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 546-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu.

Media Contacts:
Amy Burkholder
215-284-6177
[email protected]

Jennifer Lee
610-800-6592
[email protected]

SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia