Since 2004, Community Healthcare System has invited the community to gather at an event in support of those facing cancer.
The Unite & Fight Walk and 5K Run was formerly called Romp & Roll before Dr. Russell Pellar, Dr. M. Nabil Shabeeb and a committee changed the name in 2013 to better capture the meaning behind the event: uniting to fight cancer.
This year’s Unite & Fight will kick off Sunday, Oct. 1 at Munster High School’s John E. Friend Athletic Complex, 8823 Columbia Ave. Registration will open at noon, with the Walk & 5K Run set for 1 p.m. Participants also can register in advance at myccrf.com/uniteandfight.
Unite & Fight has proven to be a big hit in Northwest Indiana and beyond, raising funds for the Community Cancer Research Foundation, which operates the Cancer Resource Centre.
“Through the years, Unite & Fight has raised $1 million-plus to use at Cancer Resource Centre so patients don’t have to pay any service charges,” said Cancer Resource Centre Manager of Outreach Anthony Andello. “We do what we can to raise funds to provide these free services. This event has touched the lives of so many who are facing cancer and their loved ones and has definitely been a signature event for Cancer Resource Centre.”
In the spirit of cultivating a supportive community, businesses, organizations and individuals can sign up teams who will walk or run the Unite & Fight 5K together. This year’s teams include Banking on a Cure, Breasties and Buddies, the Don’t Ovary Act and more.
“When you see everybody lined up along the track behind the bagpipers for the ceremonial lap, you really feel the magnitude of how it has helped people,” Andello said. “When you see that wave come across and people walking hand in hand remembering the fighters who have battled cancer, it’s amazing.”
Ahead of the first Unite & Fight in 2004, Community Healthcare System scouted several local venues for the best spot to host the event, ultimately landing on Munster High School’s athletic complex.
“We went to the high school athletic director at that time and asked if we would have permission to use the facility. The school agreed. The high school has been good to us,” Andello said.
He encourages people to attend and support the event even if they do not want to walk or run. Vendors, face painting and other fun options will be available. Andello thanks the 30-plus volunteers and numerous sponsors who make Unite & Fight possible.
“It really is a community effort,” Andello said. “It’s a day of being together as one.”
To learn more about the Unite & Fight Walk and 5K Run or to sign up, visit myccrf.com/uniteandfight. To learn more about Community Healthcare System, visit COMHS.org.