Nebraska’s 6th annual Lymphoma Walk (formerly known as Lymphomathon) will be held Saturday, April 18, at Mahoney State Park. The free event, which is hosted by the Lymphoma Research Foundation, will begin at 10 a.m. with registration at 9 a.m. at the park pavilion.
Mahoney State Park is located just off I-80 at exit 426, between Omaha and Lincoln. Though the event is free, vehicles need to purchase a $5 park permit at the park gate.
The Lymphoma Walk is a fun-filled, non-competitive event that offers individuals and teams an opportunity to walk to support those whose lives have been touched by lymphoma. About 450 new cases of lymphoma are diagnosed in Nebraskans each year.
Proceeds from the walk will benefit Nebraskans through research grants and patient services. The five past walks have raised $418,000 through walk participants and sponsors.
Honorary chairman of the walk is Del Weber, of Omaha, former chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has been treated for lymphoma twice – follicular lymphoma about 10 years ago and last winter, Burkitt’s lymphoma. His treatment for Burkitt’s was 300 hours of chemotherapy.
Weber cited the importance of research and said that’s why he decided to be the honorary chair of this year’s Lymphoma Walk.
“That’s the least I could do,” Weber said. “I surely couldn’t say no when I received the treatment I experienced and realized how important research is in solving the disease of cancer I have a good feeling that 10 years from now we’ll have an entirely different treatment regimen for cancer. Hopefully we’ll look back at this period and marvel at the changes.”
Cancer has changed Weber’s outlook.
“I have a greater appreciation with my children,” he said. “Another thing I learned is how many very, very good friends I have.”
Weber is now recovering from treatment for Burkitt’s lymphoma. His recent PET scan showed no cancer. His son, Bill, who also had follicular lymphoma, has formed a team for the Lymphoma Walk.
“I lived to tell a story. I’m a cancer survivor. That’s what I am,” Dr. Weber said.
Those interested in participating can start a team, join a team, sign up as an individual or make a donation, by going to www.lymphoma.org/activeevents. Click “Find an Event” then enter Nebraska. For more information, contact Martin Bast at (402) 559-6203, mbast@unmc.edu.
Strollers and friendly leashed pets are welcome. A free picnic will be held for all attendees following the walk.
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that occurs when white blood cells that help protect the body from infection and disease begin behaving abnormally, according to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Lymphoma may develop in many parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood or other organs.
Major sponsors include: WOWT, Union Pacific Railroad, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, Essentials Natural Family Health, Huerter Orthodontics, Loess Hills Hideaway Cabins & Campground, Kohll's Pharmacy, Metro Credit Union, Dingman’s Collision Center and Vantage Finance.