Going VIRTUAL in 2020: 30th Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon
June 10, 2020
Breast cancer doesn’t pause. Neither will Prisma Health Midlands Foundation in its 30-year effort to support Prisma Health Breast Center. In October, the 30th annual Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon will go virtual.
When 200 people took steps against breast cancer at the first Walk for Life in Columbia, S.C., it became a springboard to one of the largest fundraising events of its kind in the Southeast. Each October for the last 29 years, thousands of walkers, runners and supporters have met in person to lift up those who are facing cancer and celebrate those who have beaten it. Nearly $11 million has been raised over 29 years for the Breast Center. This year, the event is moving into the virtual space.
“We’ve seen an outpouring of love from our community and beyond over the years, and we feel like our participants are family. We put them first,” said Dawn Hunt, 2020 event chair. “Many who participate in Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon have immune systems that have been affected by cancer. In consideration of the anticipated ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency this fall, we don’t want to put anyone’s health at risk by gathering in person this October.”
Going virtual means participants register to walk or run a half marathon, 5K or 10K. But instead of gathering in person, registrants will walk or run in their favorite location, on their own time. Registration includes a shirt (unisex), bib and sticker. Half marathon registrants will receive a bib, finisher’s medal and a finisher’s certificate. Breast cancer survivors will receive a special surprise. Prisma Health Midlands Foundation will offer a drive-through pickup option (date TBA) for registrants who live in the 17-county area of the Midlands of S.C. For registrants outside the Midlands, a package will be mailed at no extra charge. Additional donations to cover shipping costs are welcomed.
“The virtual event gives us an exciting opportunity to be creative in our planning as well as expand our reach and connect with more people locally, nationally and beyond,” said Hunt.
Saturday, Oct. 3, the original event date, will be the virtual kick-off of a month-long effort to show support for those facing breast cancer in our community. Registrants are encouraged to wear the event shirt, lace up their shoes and walk or run in their favorite, safe place. Registrants also are encouraged to post a photo of their walk or run on their social channels and use the hashtag #Pink4Prisma. Registration fees are donations that will help patients and families at Prisma Health Breast Center. Registration is open now at WalkForLifeColumbia.org. Registration fees are $35 for Walk for Life, $50 for the Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon and $35 for the 5K or 10K. Registration fees will stay the same through October. Forming a team online also is available. Teams can be all walkers, all runners or a combination thereof.
“After 30 years, we’re just getting started,” said Samuel Tenenbaum, president, Prisma Health Midlands Foundation. “The virtual Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon will give us a chance to come together, just in a different way. We know we’ll still feel the love and support from so many in the virtual space. Although we can’t be together, we’ll still feel like we’re together in the fight against breast cancer.”
The 30th Walk for Life is presented by Dominion Energy. The Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon is presented by Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Proceeds from the 2020 virtual event will benefit the Breast Center’s expansion to Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge Hospital. Proceeds also will continue to fund post-mastectomy camisoles, post-surgery breast bears and support materials for patients and families.
For the latest information and to register, visit WalkForLifeColumbia.org.
About Prisma Health Breast Center
As the largest provider of screening and diagnostic breast imaging services in our community, Prisma Health Breast Center is critical to the health of women and men in our community. An average of 40,000 mammograms are performed each year at the Breast Center. It was the first program in South Carolina to be fully accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, administered by the American College of Surgeons, which ensures that patients will have access to comprehensive care, an interdisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options, breast cancer conferences, nurse navigators, information about ongoing clinical trials and quality breast care close to home. The Breast Center also provided the first mobile mammography unit in South Carolina in 1988.
About Prisma Health Midlands Foundation
Prisma Health Midlands Foundation’s mission is to engage community partners to enhance health care for patients and families served by Prisma Health—Midlands. For more information, visit PrismaHealthMidlandsFoundation.org or call 803-434-7275.
