Excitement builds as participants prepare for MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer®

HOUSTON ― Thousands are expected for MD Anderson's Boot Walk to End Cancer® Nov. 4, as The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center prepares for the eighth annual event in the Texas Medical Center. Registrants also may participate virtually by walking in their own neighborhoods from anywhere in the U.S. and around the world. Registration is free and open to all ages, with no minimum fundraising amount required.

The Boot Walk raises awareness and funding for MD Anderson’s life-saving work, with 100% of donated funds going directly to support the institution’s mission to end cancer. Since the Boot Walk's inception in 2016, participants have raised more than $11.2 million to support cancer patient programs, research, prevention and education initiatives at
MD Anderson.

“This year we are aiming to raise crucial funds through the Boot Walk to directly support cancer research and patient programs for patients at
MD Anderson, across the nation and around the world,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president, MD Anderson. “Together, we will give cancer the boot.”

This year’s event chair, Binsu Oommen — a breast cancer survivor and MD Anderson patient — says the Boot Walk represents hope and inspiration for all who have been impacted by cancer.

“Boot Walk is a lifeline,” Oommen said. “In 2017, I saw a flier for the Boot Walk as I was awaiting my first chemotherapy infusion at MD Anderson. That flier inspired me to ensure I was there the next year. Every year I remember that, and I'm hoping the Boot Walk can be that same lifeline for someone else.”

Event-Day Information
Registration begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4. The 1.2-mile noncompetitive walk starts at 9 a.m. behind MD Anderson’s Mays Clinic, at the northwest corner of Bertner Avenue and Pressler Street. Free parking will be available at Fannin South Transit Center (1604 West Bellfort Boulevard, Houston, TX 77054) and participants can take advantage of free METRORail rides to and from the registration area. Free ADA parking will be available in Pressler Garage (1180 Pressler Street).

Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite pair of boots to symbolize giving cancer "the boot." Those who raise at least $100 will earn a commemorative T-shirt, which can be picked up at the registration and donation tent or mailed to recipients after the event. Strollers and baby joggers are allowed on the route. Participants are asked to leave pets at home, but service animals are welcome.

Event day will feature a festive finish line party with live music by Bidi Bidi Banda, a Kids Zone with games sponsored by Houston Dash and Houston Dynamo FC, free pre-packaged snacks and water sponsored by Walmart, food trucks with refreshments available for purchase, photo opportunities and more. George Lindsey of The Bull 100.3 will emcee the event and Houston Dynamo FC’s mascot, Diesel, will cheer for participants as they cross the finish line.

Sponsors include Walmart, Cavender’s, Houston Dash, Houston Dynamo FC, Mustang Cat, York Construction, METRO Houston, i-PRO, NRG Energy, Egon Zehnder and Constellation Energy. Media partners include Audacy’s The Bull 100.3 and Mix 96.5, Cox Media Group, Clear Channel Outdoor, Outfront, SignAd Outdoor, Scientific American, and Houston Chronicle.