Route, event details set for 15th Village Walk
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — The 15th annual Village Walk for Cancer Research will begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday on the Balboa Pavilion grounds, 476 Ponce de Leon Drive.
This year, Jack and Beverly Abernathy are bringing their “Cancer Tractor” to the walk. The disease has claimed several lives in his family, so he decided to help raise awareness by painting his John Deere tractor pink, to represent breast cancer. The seat is blue, to represent prostate cancer, and there are colored magnet ribbons all over the tractor to represent other cancers.
The Cancer Tractor will lead survivors to the Balboa Trailhead following the event’s opening ceremonies and a survivor group photo.
Radio personality and survivor Dick Antoine will serve as master of ceremonies. Staff at the Hot Springs Village Day Spa are donating their time to paint cancer ribbons on attendees’ fingernails. The United Methodist Church’s Prayer Tent will be on site, and massages will be available again this year.
RE/MAX of Hot Springs Village is providing the food and drinks, including plenty of water in the pavilion and on the trails. Mile markers will be set up along the route, and cheerleaders will help walkers stay motivated.
There will be a bake sale, silent auction, vendors and great music. Registered walkers are eligible for wonderful door prizes, and registration can be made on event day. There will also be recognition of the largest team and team photos.
Additionally, Dr. Peter Emmanuel, director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at UAMS, will share some exciting news on research development and recent accomplishments.