By Kristy Hutchings

Cancer Support Community South Bay — a nonprofit providing free programming for people with cancer and their families — will host the inaugural edition of its Together We Walk 5K in Long Beach next weekend.

The Sunday, March 9, fun run and walk, which will get underway at Shoreline Aquatic Park, will serve as a fundraiser for the organization, while paying homage to CSC’s late executive director and CEO, Judith Opdahl.

Opdahl served as CSC’s leader for 25 years, according to a recent news release. She died at home on Nov. 8, according to CSC spokesperson Theresa Plakos.

“(Her) dedication, compassion and vision have left an indelible mark on CSC South Bay and the thousands of lives she touched,” the organization’s current executive director and CEO, Jillian Van Lueven, said. “It is because of Judith’s extraordinary legacy that we are able to expand our reach and grow in the Long Beach area, increasing our impact to help even more families affected by cancer.”

CSC South Bay has partnered with MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center for nearly three decades, Plakos said, where the organization offers on-site and online support groups for patients and their families dealing with cancer.

“While Long Beach residents can access all of our virtual and in-person programs,” Plakos said, “in 2024 alone, we offered 32 programs specifically for this community, including support groups, educational workshops and healthy lifestyle classes.”

Last year, CSC South Bay served 200 Long Beach residents — a 12% increase from the year prior, Plakos said.

“Long Beach has always been an important part of our community,” Van Leuven said, “and we are committed to growing our in-person services here.”

That’s where the Together We Walk 5K’s fundraising aspect comes in. CSC South Bay has set its sights on a $75,000 goal for the Sunday, March 9, event — and that money will play a crucial role in helping the organization bring more free programming to Long Beach.

CSC has a wide variety of programming available, including individual counseling, educational workshops, support and grief groups, health classes and more — all at no cost for participants.

These programs, according to CSC’s website, help improve the quality of life for cancer patients, and help keep patients on track with their treatments. Besides that, they provide a community for people with cancer to lean on as they navigate their diagnoses.

“Together We Walk is a crucial step toward expanding our services in Long Beach,” Van Leuven said. “The funds raised will help us increase our program offerings to Long Beach residents, ensuring that more individuals and families in the community have access to the support they need.”

Check in for the Together We Walk 5K will begin at 9 a.m. March 9, with the the walk and run beginning at 10 a.m.

Participants will get free T-shirts, the press release said, and will have a chance to help raise money for CSC’s programs through individual donations or team fundraisers.

Registration costs $50, with discounts available for certain age groups.

“This event is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of community, resilience and hope,” Van Leuven said. “Through Together We Walk, we honor (Opdahl’s) legacy and continue the vital work she so passionately championed.”

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