20th Annual Beverly Breast Cancer Walk Set for Mother’s Day
Last year, more than 14,000 men, women and children walked the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood in commemoration of the countless wives, daughters and mothers who fought the war on breast cancer. Flash back 19 years, the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk (BBCW) only consisted of three pioneering women whose vision would inspire the Southland community to think pink on Mother’s Day.
Nearly two decades ago, area resident Carol Moriarty sought treatment at Little Company of Mary Hospital’s (LCMH) Comprehensive Breast Health Center to aid her in her battle with breast cancer. After a successful plan of treatments, Moriarty found herself cancer-free with a new profound vision for life.
In 1999, Moriarty, her sister Nancy Mulcahy and longtime friend Lisa O’Brien decided to give Southland residents a local option in raising funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. What started as a walk among a group of friends and family on Mother’s Day quickly grew into thousands of participants and a community-wide event that today has raised more than $6 million with proceeds benefiting the programs and technology at LCMH’s award-winning Comprehensive Breast Health Center. For two decades, a talented group of committee members have donated their time and talents to make the BBCW a bigger success each year.
“The countless hours spent by the committee and dedicated volunteers on registration, marketing, fundraising, entertainment, and merchandising has not gone unnoticed, and
our gratitude for what all the effort accomplishes is immense,” said Brian Lepacek, MDiv, Executive Director of the Little Company of Mary Hospital Foundation. “This year’s 20th anniversary milestone is living proof that if we join hands and talents together, we can make a difference – and save lives.”
Over the past 19 years, BBCW support of the Comprehensive Breast Health Center has impacted the lives of thousands of breast cancer survivors. With generous community support in 2018, the BBCW was able to sustain its support of current breast health programming and continue deepening its impact with the establishment of a BBCW Crisis Fund to assist LCMH breast cancer patients with emergent financial needs within our community. Additionally, a portion of the 2018 event proceeds supported a “sister-walk” partnership with the international organization, People Helping People, bringing much-needed medical equipment, supplies and services to breast cancer patients in poverty-stricken El Salvador.
The 20th Annual Beverly Breast Cancer Walk will take place on Mother’s Day, Sun., May 12, starting at 8 a.m. at Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr.
Register early to receive a t-shirt with the $30 entry fee. The entry fee for children ages 18 and under is $15. Same-day registration is $10 more for adults and $5 more for children. T-shirt availability is not guaranteed for day-of registrants. To register, go to www.BeverlyBreastCancerWalk.
