“In addition to the walkers, our local businesses were great supporters of the Walk of Champions” reported Deb Gagnon, Development Manager for Baystate Mary Lane Hospital. “They contributed more than $9,000 in sponsorship funds to benefit this year’s event.”

Country Bank for Savings was the 2009 presenting sponsor of the Walk of Champions, and Intercity Lines, Inc., of Warren was the Gold Sponsor.  Silver Sponsors included Quirk Wire and Health New England; Bronze Sponsors were Janine’s Frostee, the West Brookfield Rescue Squad, and BMC Health Net Plan.  Many other businesses and groups who sponsored Shortcut levels were noted along the route for their support of Cancer Services at Baystate Mary Lane.

“Patients who are being treated here for cancer benefit from our patient-centered healing environment and the expertise of our medical staff from the Baystate Regional Cancer Program.  We also offer family support counseling, educational materials, pastoral care, and state-of-the art equipment – plus so much more, thanks to the continuing generosity of our community” said Gagnon.

On hand at the registration table were staff from the Baystate Regional Cancer Program, providing information about and photographs of the many patient care items they have been able to purchase over the past three years thanks to the Walk of Champions.  These items included infusion pumps, patient recliners, wheel chairs, and vital sign monitors. 

“It was an amazing day; our patients, joined by their families and friends supported each other during this very moving event,” said Gagnon.  “Thank you to all our walkers, our corporate and in-kind sponsors, schools and volunteers who helped to make this Walk of Champions such a huge success.”

For more information on the Walk of Champions, or to find out how you can become involved in next year’s Walk, call Deb Gagnon at 413- 967-2458.