'Really important cause': Johnstown Walk of Hope raises money for local cancer patients, pays tribute to lost loved ones
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Holding a sign that read "Wilcox Warriors," Emily Wood made her way around the track at Greater Johnstown High School's Trojan Stadium in memory of those she lost to cancer.
On Saturday, the Johnstown resident remembered her brother and grandmother, while also offering support to others during the 10th annual Johnstown Walk of Hope.
"This is a really important cause to me," Wood said. "All of the funds stay local and every single dollar that comes in goes right back out to the patients who need it the most."
Johnstown Walk of Hope 2
Participants begin the 10th annual Johnstown Walk of Hope Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Greater Johnstown High School's Trojan Stadium.
She said the walk is a way to keep the memory of her brother and grandmother alive.
"I honor them every single year and keep their legacy going," Wood said.
Over the past 10 years, Johnstown Walk of Hope's mission has expanded to reach patients throughout Cambria and Somerset counties to support those who are battling cancer and assist families who have children in treatment.
The latest initiative is to offer scholarships to high school students who have been directly impacted by cancer in their family.
The concept of local donations helping area patients has helped grow Johnstown Walk of Hope from a $30,000 fundraising event to reaching $100,000 the past three years.
"What we raise goes directly to patients in treatment here in our area," said Marlene Singer, Johnstown Walk of Hope coordinator. "The need in this area to help patients is large, but the heart of the community is even larger and they want to hep their neighbor. I truly believe that because the money stays local, it's why we've been able to continue to grow to where we are today."
Through an application with a patient provider, those undergoing cancer treatment can receive monetary assistance with medications, travel expenses, utilities and vehicle repairs.
"I want people to come here and know they are not alone," Singer said. "I want them to come here as a cancer survivor and help other people who are in a similar situation. We also want it to be a place where people can come and reflect on someone they've lost to cancer."
Fawn Slonka, of Johnstown, was walking with the First Lutheran Church team.
"We've been doing this walk since the beginning, and I offer support to my sister who is a cancer survivor," Slonka said. "She loves the people who took care of her when she had her cancer and she received such great care, so that's why we support this event."
Slonka said the Johnstown Walk of Hope event is essential.
"People don't always get what they need from their insurance, so this is an extra helping hand," Slonka said. "We have to support those who need help. If you have a family member or a friend or know someone from your church, go and support them because they need a shoulder to lean on."
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