On Saturday, July 20, GBI’s Washington Region took part in the inaugural Valley Girls & Guys’ Be the Hope Walk 2019, in Maple Valley. The GBI team walked 18 miles to raise money for cancer research and treatment—and to bring hope to cancer patients and their families.
More than 500 people walked either 1.8 or 18 miles that day. Collectively, the walkers raised more than $750,000.
After the walk, Valley Girls & Guys presented a check to Seattle Children’s Hospital for $120,000 to fund a high-risk leukemia clinical trial for 10 patients in honor of Cecile, Ian and Hana.
Another check for $120,000 was presented to Valley Medical Center/UW Medicine’s cancer center to help start the first acute care service for all cancers, specifically for evaluation and acute symptom management.
This service is for people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation who need management of severe symptoms that normally require intervention in the emergency department. The service would provide a more supportive, less stressful and more sterile environment designed to meet the special needs of cancer patients.
“My hope for next year is that our GBI Team will increase in size and we will be able to raise more funds for this charity,” said Jennifer Reedal, GBI team captain and cheerleader.
