Annual Walk of Hope Returns to Marion

MARION — Survivors, supporters and citizens will unite in solidarity in the fight against cancer during this year’s Annual Walk of Hope.

Cancer Services of Grant County (CSGC) will kick off Walk of Hope 2025 at 5 p.m. Friday, May 2 at Riverside Federal Credit Union, located at 101 Washington St. in Marion.

Participants will walk one mile, starting at 6:30 p.m. The course will start and end at the credit union.

“The Walk of Hope helps to fund the many services we offer such as transportation, navigation, education, prescription assistance, equipment, supplies, wigs and so much more,” the organization said. “There are no fees for our services.”

Cancer Services of Grant County receives financial support in several different ways, including through grants, donations and fundraisers like Walk of Hope.

Registration will begin at 5 p.m. The cost is $5 per person to register online before the event. However, those wanting to get involved can register in person on the day of the walk.

Walkers can sign up as a team or as individual participants. They also have the option to walk in remembrance of friends or family members who are or have been affected by cancer.

People can also participate by sponsoring a walker instead of doing the mile walk.

“All funds raised during the Walk of Hope stay local to help local folks through their cancer journey,” CSGC said.

Following the walking event, there will be an awards ceremony, with a presentation of the Biggest Team Awards, Spirit Award and Fundraising Award.

Along with the awards, Cancer Services of Grant County will give away prizes. Music and vendors will be present throughout the evening as well, the organization said.

“We’ll be tossing some cool prizes off the balcony into the crowd the entire evening,” the organization said. “It’s a lot of fun for a great cause, and you don’t want to miss it.”

According to its website, Cancer Services of Grant County was established in 1959 by health professionals, local physicians and cancer survivors. The group began as the Grant County Cancer Society but later changed its name in the 1960s to Cancer Services of Grant County.

In addition to the Walk of Hope, Cancer Services of Grant County holds other events throughout the years. These include Color Me Pink in Gas City during the fall and the Annual Golf Scramble, which occurs every August.