Nicole Letendre ‘23

Chief Features Editor

On Sunday, October 2^nd, the Holy Cross Cheerleading Team volunteered at the annual UMass Cancer Walk and Run, which was hosted at Worcester’s very own Polar Park. The event raises money for adult and pediatric cancer research at UMass Chan Medical School, with the funds raised tallying to over $700,000. This year marked the 24^th annual UMass Cancer Walk and Run. The theme of the walk/run was “superheroes,” and several volunteers were dressed in costumes, which prompted positivity and excitement from participants. 

The Cheerleading Team arrived early to greet volunteers and teams as they arrived at the venue. Cheerleaders were seen shaking poms and bringing enthusiasm to the event. The Cancer Walk and Run began at 11am, and cheerleaders spirited as enthusiastic walkers and runners crossed the starting line, and again at the finish line. They sported bright pink bows, as well as matching pink T-shirts with a cancer ribbon design made of hearts. Thousands of walkers and runners attended the event and sported T-shirts with the names of family and friends who have been affected by cancer. 

The Holy Cross Cheerleading Team also volunteered at the 2021 UMass Cancer Walk and Run; it holds a special place in the hearts of so many families impacted by cancer. Other Holy Cross athletic teams also volunteered at the event and were seen interacting with and greeting walkers and runners as they arrived. In the spirit of donating and bringing awareness to cancer research, women’s ice hockey was also involved in cancer awareness efforts. During their opening weekend of October 1^st, known as “Pink the Rink,” HC for a Cure came and collected donations from the attendants. 

As October denotes Cancer Awareness Month, Holy Cross students are active in community efforts towards fundraising for research goals. Holy Cross students continuously work to give back—a beautiful statement to the community that is built here on the hill. The Holy Cross Cheerleading Team was honored to be at the UMass Walk and Run and plans to continue volunteering for these events in the future. It was a wonderful event that brought friends and family together, as they walked in solidarity for this important cause. Thank you to all the Holy Cross friends, family, and students that took part in this special event—the UMass Cancer Walk and Run.