The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA—The Providence St. Mary Gran Fondo fundraiser for local cancer patients this year has been transformed into a month-long event that includes a free virtual town hall Sep. 16 sharing the latest advancements in cancer care.

“We can all do our part to help finish cancer together.” That’s the motto for this year’s #FINISHCANCER fundraiser hosted by Providence St. Mary Foundation.

Annually in September, Walla Walla Valley residents traditionally unite to walk, run or cycle and join hundreds of others at the Gran Fondo to raise funds for Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center. With in-person events being canceled, organizers knew it was time to be creative and come back to the reason behind the event each year: to come together to #FINISHCANCER.

Instead of a single-day fundraiser, the event will take on a new name and look and will move online for a month-long movement. Now through Sep. 26, visit the #FINISHCANCER website at wasmf.give.providence.org/finishcancer and get involved by creating a fundraising page and rallying friends and co-workers, making a direct donation or a gift in honor or memory of a loved one. An honorary race bib with the loved ones’ name will be displayed at Providence St. Mary. In recognition of the pandemic not stopping a single person from doing their part, those who donate or fundraise $25 or more will receive a #FINISHCANCER face mask.

On Wednesday, Sep. 16 from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., a free virtual cancer town hall will feature top Providence oncology experts who will share the latest advances in cancer care and how the center has responded to the pandemic. Sam Byrnes, Pilot Rock resident, and cancer survivor will also share his story. Please RSVP for the free event by visiting wasmf.give.providence.org/FINISHCANCER, by calling (509) 897-2091 or emailing PSMFoundation@providence.org.

“I can’t think of a single individual who has not been impacted by cancer personally or through a loved one,” says Lindsey Oldridge, Chief Philanthropy Officer. “Canceling the in-person piece of this event was a must due for health and safety. However, canceling a way to support individuals who are currently in treatment, to celebrate survivors and honor those we have lost to this horrible disease was not in question.”

Instead, organizers have expanded the fundraiser from Sep. 1 – Sep. 26 and have set a fundraising goal of $50,000. As the song goes, they’ve already had a little help from their friends. Jackson Contractor Group is committed to supporting the cause, returning for the 3rd consecutive year as Title Sponsor. They are joined by Alaska Airlines, InCyte Diagnostics, Walla Walla Valley Honda, Pacific Power, Inland Cellular, Walla Walla Roastery, and Columbia REA.

“Your support has never been more important,” says Cancer Center Director Hall Grimes. “I have a dedicated team of amazing staff who answer the call to care for people with compassion and service every day. Support from the community through Providence St. Mary Foundation helps my team do their jobs better and ensures we can deliver on our promise of providing the best care possible.”

Over the years, millions of dollars in community donations have been invested in the latest technology and equipment, innovative clinical trials, and emotional and financial support to ease the burden of a cancer diagnosis.

Join us at wasmf.give.providence.org/finishcancer. To attend the Sep. 16 noon virtual cancer town hall, you must rsvp by calling (509) 897-2091 or emailing PSMFoundation@providence.org to receive a link.