One of the most iconic scenes regarding cancer is people in outrageous outfits and tutus at a cancer walk fundraiser. Even if you’ve never had a family member diagnosed, you’ve likely seen or participated in one of the events.

Somewhere along the way, I think some of these major organizations got a bad rep regarding their spending of these funds. Or at the least, they aren’t always transparent about where these funds go. Simultaneously, these fun and carefree races may inadvertently portray cancer treatment as though it’s no big deal…. When in reality treatment is friggin’ hard!

I’m not saying you should sign up for every cancer walk event possible, nor am I saying you should buy every pink ribbon item you see at the store! (More on that here.) And as with any event or fundraiser, it’s good practice to verify that it’s a legitimate charity or 501(c)(3) organization.

Despite concerns about the overall spending of the organization, there are a few reasons that I’m a huge fan of these 5ks and relays!

First of all, they’re just fun!

These events can be major productions! There are months of planning involved, with special consideration as to how to entertain the participants.

Some of these races have goodie bags including shirts, medals for the survivors, or other race swag and donations. Sponsors may have booths with raffles or freebies, like sunglasses, gift baskets, tee-shirts (yes, more of them), coupons, etc.

So get the girl gang or a few couples together and make an event of it! Get the fun socks, leggings, and tutus, grab your camera, and make some memories!

Apparently I had a lot of anticipation about popping this champagne confetti popper after our race! Check out that concentration…

As well as being fun, they’re emotionally moving

It wouldn’t really be a proper event for cancer if it didn’t also take the time to honor the taken. Take this into account if you’re doing any makeup or face paint – there very well may be some tears shed.

Each event does it a bit differently. At the Komen Race for the Cure event in Columbus, there’s a Wall of Remembrance with pictures of family and friends who have passed away, as well as a moment of recognition for them during the opening ceremonies. At Relay for Life, there are luminaria around the track, each one dedicated to a loved one.

While it’s an incredibly sad moment, it also helps keep in perspective why this cancer walk is taking place. It’s cancer, after all, so not everything is fun wigs and party socks.

Our last Race for the Cure was done virtually (thanks, COVID) with everyone walking and representing where they wanted. My friend and I wore our race shirts, making it obvious why we were out walking. One lady, recognizing our shirts, came running up to us to talk about the event and how she’s done the race for years. Though she’s never had cancer herself, she talked about what a fantastic job Columbus does with the race, and thus what an incredible, moving experience it is!

Raises funds for research and education

OK let’s touch on the obvious reason – these races take place to be fundraisers for those organizations. We already touched on that at the beginning.

Entry fees generally range from $10 to $35 depending on the event, with a portion going back to the organization and its research and education efforts.

Not sure how well you like the organization? No worries! You don’t have to spend extra time to raise hundreds of dollars. Although, should you decide at some point that you like the organization, you may want to consider additional fundraisers for your team.

Basically consider your entry fee like a fun event fee. Would you and your friends each be willing to spend $25 for a half-day outing with tee shirts, exercise, and some race swag? If so, then participating in a race like this is basically the same thing!

I don’t care that the 2020 Komen Columbus race was virtual, my best friend and I were still showing up in tutus and representing!

Exercise!

Yes, this is a benefit of the cancer walk. You’ve already paid the entry fee, so likely you’ll want to show up and walk or run just because you’ve spent the money on it.

Considering the health benefits of even simple walking, it’s a good way to spend your morning or day. (Fun fact: if you’re a cancer survivor, exercise reduces your risk of recurrence.)

Anyone else a fan of those virtual races? Spend $25, get a tee shirt and medal, and support a cause in the process? These races are basically the same, but with a sober block party going along with it. (I know, that may sound paradoxical for some, but y’all can grab a beer after the race.)

I’m a big fan of the virtual races since they motivate me to get out and walk so I can earn my medal.

There’s camaraderie in seeing so many other survivors

I was in college when I did my first couple Relays for Life. Since I wasn’t a cancer survivor yet, I didn’t get to experience the camaraderie part of the race. Though I saw how they honored the survivors – announcing their names and giving them the first lap as everyone applauded and cheered for them. It was powerful!

Walking with Komen’s Race for the Cure, I was a survivor. Shirt colors were color-coded to show if you hadn’t had breast cancer, were a survivor, or were a metavivor. It was absolutely incredible to look around those thousands and thousands of people and be able to see how many survivors and metavivors there were!

In the sea of people, I could look around for the pink shirts and know that those women (and men!) had some understanding of what I had gone through and the experiences we had in common. Cancer treatment can be a really lonely time, and seeing all those pink shirts was reassuring that I wasn’t alone.

At the 2019 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure, survivors were brought up on the bleachers to be honored before the race began. So many survivors, thrivers, and supporters were in attendance!

Final thoughts

Though I never utilized the services of or benefitted from The American Cancer Society or Susan G Komen during my treatment, I know others who have and thus am happy to support them and join their races. Additionally, Komen has given me the opportunity to do advocacy work at our state capitol, speaking to represent other patients and survivors in my state.

Rather not go for a large organization? Consider a smaller one. Companies like First Descents, Project Koru, and Mary’s Place by the Sea also hold annual races to fundraise. And I have used these companies and can vouch for how incredible they are!

There are also local cancer walks and events, perhaps through your nearby hospital or cancer center, or lead by a community member who felt a calling to help raise funds. A couple such cancer walks are through Brave Like Gabe and To Heck With Cancer.

No matter who’s sponsoring the cancer walk, I absolutely encourage you to participate in a couple races in your life! Grab a few friends, wear ridiculous outfits, and make some memories from it, all while knowing you’re benefitting others with resources, empowerment, and life-saving treatment.

If you’re still on the fence or not convinced, check out this source for some tips on how to better investigate where funds go.

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