More than $70,000 was raised during Nebraska’s 6th annual Lymphoma Walk (formerly known as Lymphomathon) held Saturday, April 18, at Mahoney State Park.
Donations from an estimated 475 participants and sponsors will go towards the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s mission of eradicating lymphoma through research and serving those touched by the disease.
The event is a non-competitive three-mile walk that offers individuals and teams an opportunity to support those whose lives have been touched by lymphoma.
“It didn’t matter that is was cold and raining. There was a lot of enthusiasm and fun,” said Martin Bast, chair of the walk planning committee. “Every year we are amazed by the spirit and optimism we see among lymphoma survivors, their family and friends and those who come out to support the cause. We are grateful for their compassion for this cause.”
Bast said walks in the first five years raised $418,000.
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. Lymphoma may develop in many parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood or other organs.
About 450 new cases of lymphoma are diagnosed in Nebraskans each year. Nearly 731,000 Americans are living with Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the 6th most common cancer in the U.S.
Major sponsors include: WOWT, Union Pacific Railroad, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 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.