The inaugural “Together We Walk” event raised over $52,000 for cancer support, CSC South Bay officials said.
Cancer Support Community South Bay — a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 — has served more than 30,000 individuals and provides 200 free programs per month of social and emotional support, education, and hope for people with cancer and their families.
The organization recently hosted its inaugural “Together We Walk” 5K event earlier this month at Shoreline Aquatic Park in Long Beach, bringing together more than 300 attendees to help fundraise for CSC’s various programs, and pay homage to the legacy of Judith Opdahl — the organization’s late executive director and CEO.
CSC serves the South Bay, Long Beach, and Orange County areas, and strives to help as many cancer patients as possible recover from the physical and emotional effects of cancer to the greatest extent possible, according to its website. Their services include weekly support group programs, cancer-specific networking groups, kids’ community programs, individual counseling, stress reduction and healthy lifestyle activities, and more.
The nonprofit has also partnered with MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center for nearly three decades, where the organization offers on-site and online support groups for patients and their families dealing with cancer.
“Together We Walk is more than just a walk or a run; it is a tribute to the incredible legacy of Judith Opdahl, whose leadership and compassion shaped Cancer Support Community South Bay for 25 extraordinary years,” said Jillian Van Leuven, CSC South Bay’s current executive director and CEO, “helping us reach more people in the community we serve.”
Opdahl died at home on Nov. 8, according to CSC spokesperson Theresa Plakos.
Participants walked and ran the 5K course with views of the Queen Mary and the harbor on Sunday, March 9, showing their support for those impacted by cancer. The event featured a lively expo with local businesses and organizations, offering health resources, food and beverages, and opportunities to connect with the community, according to a press release.
“Together We Walk” raised more than $52,000, which will help CSC South Bay expand its reach, and provide essential cancer support services to the Long Beach community while continuing to offer more than 200 free support programs each month for cancer patients and their loved ones, officials said.
“We are so grateful to all of our walkers, sponsors, vendors, volunteers and supporters,” Van Leuven said in a statement. “Your presence today is a testament to the power of community. Whether you are walking in honor of a loved one, running in celebration of survivorship, or simply showing your support, you are making a difference. Because of you, hope continues.”
For more information on CSC South Bay’s programs or to contribute to the fundraising efforts, visit cscsouthbay.org.
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