Cancer fundraiser to hit the ground walking

Supporters of the annual Yaak Wings Walk are preparing to take to the roads on Sept. 12 to raise funds for cancer patients.

Event organizers announced the seventh annual walk down Yaak River Road in an April 25 Facebook post. By securing pledges for the number of miles they plan to trek, walkers will raise donations for the Wings Regional Cancer Support of Northwest Montana. In years past, some walkers have put in 30 miles for Wings, an organization that helps defray out-of-pocket expenses for cancer treatment.

With fundraising efforts restricted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers urged residents to sign up for the outdoor walk.

“Now more than ever these types of fundraisers are so very important, as indoor functions for Wings may not be raising money,” the post said. “Just keep in mind, cancer continues to affect our friends and neighbors, perhaps more than COVID-19.”

The event organizers announced on Sept. 4 they had already raised $3,450 in donations. In 2019, walkers raised a total of $13,558.

In their April post, organizers urged walkers to take advantage of the summer weather by preparing for the trek.

“Get up, get out and get those legs in shape for our long journey,” the post said.