MD Anderson hosts inaugural Boot Walk to End Cancer in November

Boots are made for walking -- and taking a stand against cancer

MD Anderson News Release March 03, 2016

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced its Boot Walk to End Cancer, a community initiative to take a stand against cancer; raise research dollars; and show support for patients, survivors and families impacted by the disease.  The inaugural event is November 12, 2016.

For the 1.9 mile route, walkers are encouraged to wear their favorite boots, booties or galoshes. Whether they be cowboy, go-go, hiking, hunting, motorcycle, combat or rain boots, the footwear will demonstrate walkers’ support for “giving cancer the boot.”  The walk will wind around the MD Anderson campus and through the Texas Medical Center.

“The first-ever Boot Walk to End Cancer will unite our community around our common goal: to end cancer,” said Ronald A. DePinho, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “By putting our boots on the ground, we aim to create a movement that will help end the pain and suffering caused by cancer for our patients and families. Together, on Saturday, November 12, we will be Making Cancer History.”

There is no registration fee to participate in the walk though participants are encouraged to raise funds through friends, family and co-workers.  All proceeds from the event will benefit research and patient programs at MD Anderson, home to the nation’s top-ranked hospital for cancer care.

To register for the Boot Walk or to obtain additional information, please visit www.mdanderson.org/bootwalk.

Corporate, Friends and Family, and Community teams are encouraged to walk together in support of patients or survivors or in honor of those who lost their battle with the disease. Individual walkers who raise $10,000 or teams that raise $25,000 will have an opportunity to direct their dollars towards a preferred cancer research program or MD Anderson department.

The Nov. 12 event is part of MD Anderson’s weeklong celebration of its 75^th anniversary, which commemorates the Texas Legislature authorizing The University of Texas to establish a hospital devoted solely to cancer care and research.

The launch of the Boot Walk was announced today at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, which, along with Boot Barn, is a Diamond Sponsor of the MD Anderson event. Rodeo attendees today had an opportunity to sign a giant wall with MD Anderson’s signature cancer strikethrough. Hundreds of visitors wrote messages of support and remembrance for loved ones on the oversized wall, shared personal stories and celebrated the announcement on social media. 

Bob Tallman, legendary voice of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, is honorary chair of the Boot Walk. MD Anderson advocate and volunteer Paige Mudd is serving as the 2016 event chair alongside co-chairs Dorothy and Malcolm Paterson.