JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — The Heinrich family has been walking in the Johnstown Walk of Hope since it began in 2016.
They have a new motivation to walk this year.
"We lost our Aunt Susie to pancreatic cancer just a few weeks ago," said Rob Heinrich.
They walked in her honor Saturday.
"Susie was a wonderful person full of light and smiles and always found the humor in everything," Rob said.
Their team and about 30 others raised over $65,000 -- surpassing their $55,000 goal -- to help local families just like them.
"One of the things we were adamant about was that every penny that we raise & all the proceeds would stay local," said Marlene Singer, Coordinator for the Johnstown Walk of Hope.
The funds help patients receiving care at the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center, Conemaugh Cancer Center, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
"The walk is in Johnstown, but it helps patients throughout Cambria, Somerset, and Bedford County, because all of those patients are coming to Johnstown for care," Marlene said.
She said this helps ease the financial burden cancer places on families.
One of the things we were adamant about was that every penny that we raise & all the proceeds would stay local."When they get behind in medical bills, or a medication is prescribed that isn't covered completely by insurance, and it really is a hardship for them, they look for all of the different avenues that can help them. The Walk of Hope is one of those avenues," Marlene said.
It's to help people like Aunt Susie, and her loving family, who will now forever walk in her light.
"This is a great way to celebrate the survivors, those who passed, people who support them, love them, suffer along with them, and celebrate their victories alongside them. It's a great event, and we couldn't be prouder to be part of it," Rob said.
Click here if you would like to donate.
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