Walk for Her continues to get bigger as $44,856 raised for PRH Oncology

Pembroke, Ontario — The annual Walk for Her returned for its fifth edition with a fundraising total that surpassed previous years, benefitting the oncology program at the local hospital foundation. Organizers say the day drew a larger crowd and a higher level of generosity, culminating in a substantial contribution to cancer care in the community.

Final numbers show the official tally at $44,856, with late gifts nudging the total beyond the initial figure. Among the standout contributors were a girls’ hockey squad that raised around $5,000 and the top fundraising team, which brought in approximately $5,348 on its own.

The event unfolded on a crisp autumn Saturday at Shady Nook Recreation Centre. Attendees enjoyed laps around the track, live music, and a silent auction, all while supporting a cause that many in the community see as deeply personal. A core message echoed by participants was that every donation stays in town, directly aiding local patients and families who rely on the hospital’s services.

The Walk for Her began five years ago as a response to the cancer experience shared by many residents. It was founded as a way to celebrate, remember, and give back, with the guiding idea that this is a walk for anyone touched by cancer—no matter the “her” being honored. The event has embraced a pink-themed spirit, with breast cancer awareness woven into its fabric, yet participation is universal and there are countless stories behind each step.

organizer Lana Gorr described the walk as filling a void left when a previous community cancer-focused event ended. There was a strong desire to keep fundraising local and to ensure the funds support the hospital’s oncology department specifically.

Through the years, the program has grown in both numbers of walkers and amount raised. Eva Burshett stood out this year as the top fundraiser, contributing $3,600 after many years of support for the event and related initiatives.

From its modest beginnings, the event has built momentum. In 2023, organizers collected about $22,000; the following year reached roughly $33,000, making this year’s figure a major milestone. Across five years, the total raised sits around $132,000.

“We set an ambitious goal of $25,000 and exceeded it handily,” Gorr noted. “Seeing the community rally behind this cause and knowing the funds stay local is incredibly gratifying.”

Beyond walking, attendees enjoyed a broader day of activities, including community vendors and a robust silent auction. Organizers reported about twice the participation compared with the previous year, underscoring the event’s growing appeal as a way to support health care right at home while honoring those affected by cancer.

The walk also honors a survivor each year. This year’s honoree was Jessica Schoenfeldt, a longtime member of the region who received most of her cancer care at the local hospital. Diagnosed four years ago with locally advanced Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer, she faced a particularly aggressive form of the disease. Her treatment journey included care at the local hospital, with subsequent radiation administered in a neighboring city. Her story highlighted the importance of accessible local care and the ongoing mental health challenges that can accompany cancer treatment and recovery.

Jessica emphasized the value of early detection and urged others to seek testing when anything feels off, noting that she discovered her lump herself before routine screening would have flagged it. Her message also pointed to the continuing need for timely reconstructive care and other post-treatment support services in the region.

Looking ahead, organizers confirmed the plan to continue the tradition next year. The hospital foundation has already begun outlining events, and the hope is that the community will come together again to sustain this locally focused fundraiser for years to come.

For residents who walk for personal reasons or simply to support local health care, the event remains a powerful demonstration of community solidarity and a tangible boost to cancer care at the region’s hospital.