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Peoria’s first CureSearch walk honors cancer patients

Peoria hosted the CureSearch Walk on Sunday which celebrates and honors children whose lives have been affected by cancer, while raising funds for cancer research. Bradley’s CureSearch Club provided some of the 100 registered walkers and more than $5,000 in donations.

“The CureSearch Walk in Peoria was a huge success,” said sophomore Bradley CureSearch Club president Julia Janes. “I was very pleased with the turnout, especially since it was Peoria’s first time hosting the event.”

The event provided several activities, including a balloon release ceremony in memory of the children who have died, a medal ceremony for the survivors of childhood cancer, refreshments and a DJ. The top fundraising individuals and teams were also honored.

“This is such a great organization, and I lost my brother to cancer when he was 23,” said freshman academic exploration program major Lacey Hagerbaumer. “There aren’t any other cancer research or affiliated organizations on campus, so I wanted to join this one, and so far I’ve personally raised more than $100 in donations.”

Bradley students said they were proud to contribute donations to the CureSearch organization. Sophomore elementary education major Brett Bandy said she raised $330 through an email campaign.

“One of my best friends passed away from cancer during high school,” said Bandy. “He is my motivation for participating in CureSearch, and this organization gives me hope, the hope that one day there will be a world without cancer.”

Anyone could register individually or create a team. Registration cost $10 for ages 16 and up, and was free for walkers ages 15 and under. Once a walker raised $100 or more they would receive a free T-shirt.

If someone was unable to be present at the event but still wanted to participate, they had the opportunity to be a virtual walker and pay the $10 registration fee.

“This is the second year I’ve participated, and I feel in my heart that it’s my duty to take part in such a fantastic cause,” said Bandy.

The Bradley CureSearch Club is still accepting donations online at curesearchwalk.org/peoria. Those interested can go to the website and donate to the walk, a team or a single participant. The funds raised go to children’s cancer research through CureSearch for Children’s Cancer.

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