Latest news with #MarleneSinger
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Johnstown community walks to raise funds for cancer patients
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — Members of the Johnstown community participated in a walk to help cancer patients. The 10th annual Johnstown Walk of Hope saw over 30 groups of residents and cancer survivors take laps around Trojan Stadium at the Greater Johnstown High School. Basket raffle tables, along with a table of remembrance, where people lit candles to honor loved ones lost to cancer. 'Our mission is to help patients who are financially struggling to meet their bills,' Marlene Singer, the event coordinator, said. 'So if it's household bills or medical bills, travel and things like that, we're here to help them until they can get back on their feet again.' The walk featured a playground for kids, vendors and a moment to recognize the survivors with their own lap. Seeing people who have overcome cancer can give each patient strength to keep fighting. 'You hear a name and the word cancer in the same sentence. Probably the scariest moment of your life. So you need proof,' Rosie Zajdel-McKay, a cancer survivor, said. 'You need proof that it is survivable, and you just take each and every minute, every day, every moment that is granted to you from that time that you hear that.' The walk ended the morning with $76,000 donated for the cause. To donate, click the link here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'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."
