Non-Profit Supports Cancer Patients & Families with Annual Run / Walk

Families Raising Hope, a local non-profit dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families, is holding its annual Run / Walk For Hope 5K in Glendale at the Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center on Saturday, November 19. Donations and proceeds from the event support the organization’s mission of providing financial support to Arizona individuals, and their families, battling cancer.  

Founded in 2014 by cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers, Families Raising Hope has a focused mission: to assist cancer patients and their loved ones with the financial burden that cancer treatments pose so that they can focus on their health, healing, and recovery. 

 “We are families helping families,” said Co-founder and President Melissa Kovalesky. “By leveraging an incredible community of supporters and donors, we provide crisis funding for essential needs such as housing expenses, living expenses, and continued medical expenses.” 

Participants of all abilities are invited to the 6th Annual Run/ Walk For Hope 5K. Kovalesky said it’s a fun, family-focused activity suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Entry fees range from $30 – $40 based on the date of registration.  

For those who can’t attend the event, but still want to participate, there is also a Families Raising Hope Virtual Race that can be completed from any location. All virtual race participants will receive a custom event finisher’s medal and custom event shirt. 

The Run/Walk For Hope will be held Saturday, November 19 from 7a.m.–9a.m. at the Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center in Glendale. A link to register is on the Families Raising Hope website at FamiliesRaisingHope.org.  

Kovalesky said that after both experiencing and seeing the financial toxicities of a cancer diagnosis, she and the other founders of Families Raising Hope created the non-profit to helping others through similar obstacles and emotional stresses by raising awareness and critical funding for those who need it. 

Learn more about Families Raising Hope online at FamiliesRaisingHope.org and on Facebook and Instagram @familiesraisinghope. 

Photo courtesy of Families Raising Hope.