Local organizations hold inaugural Ribbon Walk for cancer awareness

Long Beach residents gathered on the Town Green for the inaugural Ribbon Walk to help raise awareness for cancer and remember those who have passed away.

The Memorial Foundation Oncology Fund and Pink Hearts Fund came together to raise money for those with cancer.

A 5K walk and run took place to kick off the event. Winners from each age group were awarded a trophy. Awards were also given out for the team that raised the most money.

Those with furry friends participated in the doggy dash and doggy costume contest.

Survivors of cancer were crowned and butterflies were released to honor those who passed away. Event Organizer Brenda Long said, “A couple years ago there was a really, a really special young girl that I became really close to and I saw how the struggle and the impact that cancer makes on not only the patient but their families. So, I have just been very, very passionate about fundraising for the foundation because it is something that can help everybody, people that I may not know or may not see, but they are there and so the more money we raise the more people we can help.”

All of the funds raised at the Ribbon Walk go directly towards the cancer patients.