The rain held off on Saturday August 6th, allowing 18 teams to participate in the inaugural CureSearch Walk - Portland. More than 300 walkers took part in the event that raised over $37,000 dollars for children’s cancer research.
The Walk took place at beautiful Sellwood Riverfront Park where participants were treated to waterfront views and plenty of greenery. Portland Mayor Sam Adams welcomed all to the event and Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award recipient Dr. Brian Bruker spoke to those in attendance. Dr. Bruker is well known in the cancer community for his efforts to get a revolutionary type of cancer drug Gleevec to the market and into the hands of patients suffering from chronic mylogenous leukemia (CML).
Walkers were treated to toe taping tunes by Dynamix Crew, talented face painters, balloon artists, clowns, the CHAP truck and a cartoonist. Pete Ferryman of Good Day Oregon was the MC of the event. 14 Champions of children’s cancer were honored at the walk. In one of the most touching moments of the day, a young boy spoke for his sister who was honored as a champion saying, “My sister is three years-old, and is the bravest person I know.” Then, butterflies were released in memory of those lost in a touching ceremony.
CureSearch for Children’s Cancer’s Regional Development Manager Kelli Very offered her perspective of the walk. “The Portland Walk was a beautiful morning of celebration and remembrance of everyone that has been affected by pediatric cancer. The City of Portland created a scenic background for the Champions, families, Team Captains, walkers, volunteers and medical professionals to come together as one. Everyone was there for the same reason, to find a cure for all children’s cancers.”