Join us at the 31st Annual Cancer Survivors’ Celebration Walk & 5K on Sunday, June 2!
Arvey Field in Grant Park
Northeast corner of Columbus Drive and Roosevelt Road
On Sunday, June 2, cancer survivors and supporters will gather in Chicago’s Grant Park to honor survivors and celebrate the bold steps we’re taking to transform the future of cancer care.
Held on National Cancer Survivors Day, our Cancer Survivors’ Celebration Walk & 5K features a non-competitive walk or chip-timed 5K run along Chicago’s lakefront, T-shirts, refreshments, music and entertainment, activities for the family and a chance to share a message on the Dedication Wall.
It is a day for cancer survivors, wearing purple shirts, to connect and celebrate milestones with the friends, family members and medical professionals who supported them along the way. Held in Grant Park, our community celebration is open to everyone whose life has been touched by cancer, regardless of where they were treated.
Let’s move forward together! The walk route is approximately three miles, but you can enjoy the lakefront path at your own pace and return to Grant Park’s Avery Field (northeast corner of Columbus Drive and Roosevelt Road) whenever you choose. We will walk, run and celebrate rain or shine!
Event highlights include:
- Walk or chip-timed 5K race
- Commemorative T-shirt
- Dedication Wall
- Refreshments, Kids Zone and photo opportunities
- Music, entertainment and inspiring speakers
- Star Field — Purchase your Star here.
- Stars Club — Top individual fundraisers will be invited to join us in the Stars Club to celebrate their accomplishment in fundraising
Event Schedule
| 8:00 am | Event Day Registration and T-shirt pick up opens Star Field opens, purchase your Star in advance by clicking here or purchase at the event |
| 8:30 am | Welcome, warm-up and celebration begins |
| 9:15 am | 5K run starts |
| 10:00 am | Walk starts |
| Noon | Event concludes |
Registration
Advance online registration is strongly encouraged. Pre-event pricing will end on June 1.
Runners can pick up their race bib with timing chip in Grant Park on the day of the event, beginning at 8:00 am. Runners must register for the 5K race in advance. Registration for runners will not be available on-site.
Registration for walkers and T-shirt pick up will be available in Grant Park on event day, beginning at 8:00 am.
| Registration Fees | Pre-Event | Event Day |
|---|---|---|
| Walker | $25 | $35 |
| Youth Walker (Ages 3-10) | $20 | $30 |
| 5K Runner | $50 | N/A |
Please note your registration fee does not count towards your fundraising total. The registration fee covers our costs associated with putting on the event, such as T-shirt and event logistic costs. Children over 3 years old must be registered.
This is a cash-free event. Donations and registrations can be made via the event website.
T-shirt Information
If you registered by May 3, you will receive your T-shirt in the mail. Shirts will be mailed between May 20 and 24. If you have not received your shirt by May 29, please email survivorswalk@nm.org.
If you registered after May 3, you can pick up your T-shirt on the day of the event at the T-shirt pickup tent, which opens at 8:00 am. T-shirts will not be mailed after the event.
Fundraising
Advances in cancer prevention and treatment — based on life-changing research — give us more reasons and more cancer survivors to celebrate each year. Imagine what we can achieve together!
Please consider personalizing your online fundraising page when you register. Your support will help physicians and scientists at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital bring groundbreaking research, leading-edge treatments and supportive care to our patients with cancer. Those who raise $500 or more will join the Stars Club and have access to a special tent on the day of the event to celebrate their fundraising success! Please find a list of fundraising tips here.
If you're unable to join us in person, you can support our efforts from wherever you are. Email survivorswalk@nm.org or call 312.926.7133 to learn more.
Fundraising is optional, and no minimum is required.
If you would like to make a donation via check, please make it out to “Northwestern Memorial Foundation” and include “Cancer Survivors’ Celebration Walk & 5K” in the memo line. Mail checks to:
Northwestern Memorial Foundation
P.O. Box 734985
Chicago, Illinois 60673-4985
Parking and Transportation
Discounted parking will be available for $11 at the following locations if purchased in advance:
- 1 E. 8th Street
- 1101 S. State
- 777 S. State Street
- Astoria Tower – 8 E.9th Street
- Park Michigan - 1212 S. Michigan
For more information about Metra's commuter rail lines, Pace's public transportation services, and Accessible Transit Programs, please visit the Regional Transportation Authority website.
Volunteering
The success of the Cancer Survivors' Celebration Walk & 5K depends on our volunteers. We have a number of volunteer positions available, including greeting participants, helping with T-shirt distribution and more. Please use our sign up form or email survivorswalk@nm.org if you are interested in volunteering.
Special Accommodations
Northwestern Medicine is committed to planning events that are inclusive and accessible for all. If you have any accommodations or special requests that you would like to discuss in advance of the event, please email survivorswalk@nm.org.
Who is a Survivor?
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship defines a cancer survivor as anyone has ever been diagnosed with cancer — "From the time of diagnosis and for the balance of life." Read about the exceptional programs at Lurie Cancer Center's Cancer Survivorship Institute to improve the experience of people living with, through and beyond cancer.
Contact Us
If you have questions, or would like more information, please email survivorswalk@nm.org or call 312.926.7133