Heartfelt Stories | Walk for Hope 2026

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Meet Tony McCarthy and Kylee Modoc

When Lee Ann McCarthy passed away from pancreatic cancer, her husband, Tony, and daughter, Kylee, wanted to honor the remarkable life she lived. Through Walk for Hope, they found a powerful way to celebrate her legacy and support the place that cared for her.

Meet Barbra

After being diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Barbra turned to City of Hope when she was told there were no additional treatment options available locally. Today, she participates in Walk for Hope to support future patients and help fund the research and care that made a difference in her own journey.

Meet Team United in Hope

For the members of Team United in Hope, Walk for Hope is deeply personal. United by loved ones they've lost and people they've supported through cancer, they come together each year to honor those memories, support patients and help create a future free from cancer.

Meet Amber

After hearing the words "you have cancer," Amber turned to City of Hope for care and support during one of the most difficult times of her life. Now a colorectal cancer survivor, she's paying hope forward through Walk for Hope, helping fund lifesaving research and treatment for patients today and in the future.

Stacy Dietz Wedding

Meet Stacy

After finding compassionate care when she needed it most, northern Illinois breast cancer survivor Stacy Dietz is paying hope forward as captain of Team Survivor 5 at Walk for Hope Chicago.

Tommy Wilson and family

Meet Tommy

Discover how Tommy Wilson turned his cancer journey into a mission to help others find hope.

Meet Mari

Mari Uribe-Larios took care of her sister when she was diagnosed with cancer at age 15.

Meet Monique

From daughter to caregiver to therapist, Monique Davis turned loss into purpose at City of Hope Chicago.

Joe Ward

Meet Joe

For Joe Ward, every step at Walk for Hope carries meaning. His path has been shaped by his mother Betty Lou’s determination, his sister Tracy’s fight, and his family’s deep connection to City of Hope.

Meet Jennifer

After losing her mom to ovarian cancer, Jennifer Scanlon found her way to City of Hope—guided by a simple question: “What would Mom want me to do?”

Meet Michelle

Five years ago, Michelle Kang was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at age 27—despite no family history and no genetic markers.

Meet Melody

Melody’s Fight Becomes Melody’s Walk

Meet Jonathan

Jonathan Azu’s father and uncle had prostate cancer, so his mother insisted he take a screening test.

Meet Hugo

Hugo participates in Walk for Hope to raise awareness of lung cancer and inspire others with the message: “Hope is real. Don’t give up.”

Meet Karyn

Karyn found strength through seamless care and now joins Walk for Hope to honor those who supported her.

Meet Valarie

Valarie uses her voice to inspire others to keep moving forward after her battles with multiple cancers.

Meet Jess

Jess walks alongside her family to celebrate healing and the power of hope after her cancer journey.

Meet Katie

Katie walks as a survivor and mother, showing her daughter the power of giving back after cancer.