Thousands support MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer®
Community joins MD Anderson in second annual walk to ‘Give Cancer the Boot’
MD Anderson News Release November 13, 2017
Thousands of patients, family members, volunteers, friends and employees of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center participated in the second annual Boot Walk to End Cancer®, Saturday, Nov. 11. The 1.2-mile walk made its way through the Texas Medical Center as walkers aimed to ‘give cancer the boot.’
The walk included more than 5,000 participants and raised more than $925,000. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 31, 2017, at mdanderson.org/bootwalk. Proceeds support cancer research and patient care programs to advance MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer in Texas, the nation and the world.
Participants formed teams or walked on their own, joining in the festivities with chairs Dorothy and Malcolm Paterson, co-chairs Ashley and Lance Loeffler and honorary chairs Ann and Clarence Cazalot. Participants who raised at least $100 earned a commemorative T-shirt.
“We are thrilled that people across the community came out to support MD Anderson’s Boot Walk,” said Marshall E. Hicks, M.D., president ad interim of MD Anderson. “Bringing together our sponsors, volunteers, patients and family members, volunteers and employees, the Boot Walk represents a unified effort to raise funds for vital patient care and research initiatives and encourage others to join our efforts in Making Cancer History.”
Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell, Presenting Sponsor at $100,000, spoke of the company’s delight in taking an active role in the Boot Walk. “Every single one of us has been touched by or knows someone who has been touched by cancer. At LyondellBasell, we believe that almost anything can be accomplished through what we call ‘the power of many,’ which is why we are so proud to be able to support MD Anderson in this way” he said. “On behalf of our employees and all those touched by this disease, we are very proud to support the Boot Walk.”
Justin Stapleton, KPRC-TV meteorologist, emceed this year’s event. In addition to LyondellBasell, sponsors included Boot Barn (Diamond), $50,000; Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Platinum), $25,000; MustangCAT (Gold), $15,000; Topgolf (Gold), $15,000; Marjac Creations (Silver), $10,000; York Construction (Silver), $10,000; Regina Rogers (Bronze), $5,000; Constellation/StarTex Power (Bronze), $5,000; IBC Bank (Bronze), $5,000; Richmond Equipment (Bronze), $5,000; and Theatre Under the Stars (Bronze), $5,000. Houston Community ToolBank, Peli Peli and Watermill Express were in-kind donors. Media partners were Houstonia magazine and CBS Radio’s 100.3 The Bull and Mix 96.5. In-kind media sponsors were Lifestyles & Homes Magazines, Modern Luxury, Texas Tribune and Univision Communications.