Participants sought for Walk Against Cancer in Somerton
SOMERTON — The Josefina Yepez Foundation is looking for individuals and organizations to take part later this month in its annual fundraising walk in Somerton to benefit cancer patients and their families.
The 13th annual Walk Against Cancer will take place Nov. 30, with walkers leaving from the Regional Center for Border Health, 950 E. Main St., on a seven-mile walk that will take them to the Cocopah Casino and back.
Proceeds from the walk will go into a fund that helps cancer patients in the Yuma area pay for their treatments or for any family related to their care. Last year’s walk raised enough money to provide $300 to each of 29 patients.
“This is the 13th year of the walk, and we continue seeing the number of cancer cases increase,” said Jose Yepez, a Somerton businessman and member of the foundation board.
The foundation is named for Yepez’s mother, who passed away from cancer.
“In the years that we have done the walk we have doubled the (funds raised), but we need more money because there are so many people on the waiting list for help.”
Not only is the list of cancer cases growing, he said, but so is the cost of treatment for patients.
Last year 325 people took part as walkers in the event, and Yepez is hoping for at least 380 this year.
“We would like to see more groups participating, like in years past when high schools took part,” he said. “We have been inviting them and are hoping for a good turnout, because it’s to help people with cancer. Perhaps the help we give them won’t resolve the problem, but it’s a form of relief for them or their families.”
Proceeds come from registration fees people pay to take part in the walk. The fee is $15 for those who register in advance and $20 for registration the day of the event.
Registration forms can be downloaded from jycwalk.org, or people can register at the site of the start of the walk beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Nov. 30. The program for the walk will get under way at 8 a.m.
Commemorative T-shirts for the walk will be given to the first 380 who register.
Organizations that would like to serve as financial sponsors for the walk can do so by calling (928) 6202699.