Above: Loved ones of a resident who loved helping others and walking her dogs again invite the community to join them in honoring her by combining the activities. (images from fundraiser website)
On October 5th, a special 5K walk will take place in Southborough.
Unlike many other 5K’s the fundraiser for Shannon’s Path encourages (but doesn’t require) people to bring their leashed canine companions with them.
The 4th annual “Dog Walk” will raise money for research and care related to rare cancers.
The annual event is held in honor of late resident Shannon McDonald. It was launched in 2022 in memory of McDonald’s love for walking her dogs and to help fund rare cancer research and care:
funding specific research on appendiceal cancer as well as initiating our HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Endure) fund which provides direct funding to cancer patients who need financial assistance affording integrative therapies while on chemotherapy.
You can read more about McDonald and the mission here.
The family is seeking to raise $20,000 through this year’s walk. As of this morning, they are 58% of the way towards making that goal.
The walk is scheduled for Sunday October 5th at 10:00 am. It will be followed by a BBQ.
The course will again begin and end at Neary School campus, 53 Parkerville Road. To register and learn more about the event, click here.
The funds raised go to the 501(c)3 created in McDonald’s memory. To learn more about the cause, click here.
Below is a video organizers previously shared with highlights from the inaugural walk.
My official role in Town means that I rarely ever publicly “advocate” for any issue of substance, but this charity is an easy exception to that usual rule. I knew Shannon McDonald well, and have first-hand knowledge of the humility and dedication that her widowed husband and sons pour into this great cause. They personally live the message every day, and they carefully vet all recipients of charitable funds, whether patients or researchers. This is a cause you can feel very good about, and I encourage MySouthborough readers to join me in supporting it!