Students, faculty and Harker family members arrived en masse at the Blackford campus on April 26 for the fourth annual Harker Cancer Walk. This year’s event was another success, bringing in $5,500 in one day alone, with donations still being received at Harker News Online press time. The well-attended outing once again raised funds for Camp Okizu, a program that provides fun activities and quality care for young cancer patients. Children at Camp Okizu enjoy outdoor pastimes such as swimming, boating, archery and a ropes course, in addition to social events such as a dance and a barbecue dinner. The money raised at the Cancer Walk will be used to purchase equipment to allow Camp Okizu to provide these services to the children.

Tables sold bracelets, water bottles and baked goods to the attendees, who enjoyed walking, talking, meeting and greeting in the refreshing spring weather.

In the week leading up to the Cancer Walk, special posters were made to be displayed during the event, and people also made flags containing slogans honoring cancer survivors and those who passed away from the illness. These flags were then placed along the walk as the event took place.

“The weather was perfect. The baked goods, divine! T-shirts, bracelets and water bottles made everyone true fashion icons!” said Cindy Ellis, middle school division head, who organized the event with middle school computer science teacher Michael Schmidt. Schmidt began organizing the Cancer Walk in 2007 following the passing of his mother due to cancer in 2006.

Donations are still being accepted at this time. Checks or cash can be brought to the Blackford campus front office. Checks can be made out to either Camp Okizu or Harker.