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. (image of cropped flyer)
On October 5th, a special walk will take place in Southborough.
Unlike many walks/runs, the fundraiser for Shannon’s Path encourages (but doesn’t require) people to bring their leashed canine companions with them.
The 5th 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 in a manner consistent with Shannon’s journey”:
During her cancer treatment, Shannon remained steadfast in her commitment to living each day to the fullest and remaining present to continue supporting her family and friends. This ethos and dedication to pursuing every integrative treatment option. in addition to regular chemotherapy, ultimately helped double her original life expectancy. It is for this reason that Shannon’s husband and two sons are dedicated to carrying forward her approach to living with cancer.
The family is seeking to raise $40,000 through this year’s walk. As of this morning, they are 52% of the way towards making that goal.
The walk is scheduled for Sunday October 4th at 10:30 am. Following the walk, participants can purchase lunch from food trucks.
The course will again begin and end at Neary School campus, 53 Parkerville Road. (The flyer describes the walk course as about 3 miles.) To register and learn more about the event, click here.
The funds raised go to the 501(c)3. Below are more details from the website on the rare cancer research and care that the non-profit supports:
Just as Shannon sought care from a wide variety of medical disciplines, Shannon’s Path supports both traditional research institutions and holistic care for patients unable to afford these significant out-of-pocket expenses. Through our research and integrative care programs, the organization funds both long-term and immediate improvements in care for cancer patients. . .
Rare Cancer Research
Appendiceal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma receives very little funding due to its low prevalence rates and lack of awareness. However, funding research in this area is incredibly important as patients diagnosed with a rare forms of cancer such as this one have lower average survival rates than those with common cancers. . .
Integrative Care
As a mother to two young boys, Shannon’s holistic approach allowed her to continue to be present for her entire family despite the debilitating effects of both her diagnosis and treatment. . .
Shannon’s Path established the HOPE Fund for integrative therapies to help adults navigate their cancer diagnosis.
You can read more about McDonald and Shannon Path’s mission here.
Below is a video organizers posted with highlights from last year’s walk:
