Walk to Wellness raises funds to help local women

The majority of people know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer – or maybe they have even fought breast cancer themselves. Each year, many groups host events to promote education and raise money, and this year the Book Lovers Study Club is sponsoring a Walk to Wellness Oct. 26.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the walk will begin at 9 a.m. on the track at the Russellville High School football stadium. Participants can walk as long and as far as they choose.

Registration will be $20 and include a free T-shirt for the first 100 people to register. Afterward walkers can enjoy refreshments and the chance to visit with one another and take photos at the photo area.

This is the second year the Book Lovers Study Club has hosted the Walk to Wellness. Club President Patricia Cox said last year about 80 people participated, with 15-20 being breast cancer survivors.

“We had a few men out there too, but it was mainly women coming out and supporting women,” Cox said.

Cox said it is important to the club to keep the money raised local. Money raised from the walk will be disbursed through Russellville Hospital to help women in the Franklin County area with expenses they undergo during treatments. 

The club will also make donations to the American Cancer Society and to the UAB Walking the Road to Wellness program.

Cox said the event’s main purpose is to raise money to help people affected by breast cancer, as well as educate the community about the prevalence of breast cancer.

For those who are interested in supporting the cause but do not want to walk, Cox said last year some people registered for the walk without participating in it, just to support the fundraiser.