Updated on Oct. 28, 2024
On Saturday, Oct. 26, more than 800 cancer survivors, patients, family members, and friends gathered for the 25th Annual Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K, aiming to raise over $250,000 in support of the life-changing psychosocial cancer programs at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center. Participants, dressed in vibrant colors and custom team t-shirts, walked the 3.1-mile route along the Long Beach shoreline, celebrating survivorship and honoring those touched by cancer. The event also featured an emotional bell-ringing ceremony, marking the completion of treatment for 29-year-old, Cori Reynolds.
Cori Reynolds’ connection to MemorialCare and the Long Beach community runs deep. Diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma in her late 20’s – a particularly aggressive form of cancer – she found support from a community close to her family. Her grandmother has long been involved with MemorialCare as a board member and volunteer for the Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Auxiliary. Her father, Jason Reynolds, dedicated over a decade coaching rugby at Long Beach State, and now serves as director of Long Beach State Club Rugby. Cori herself served for many years as a counselor at 49er Summer Sports Camp at Long Beach State. Together, their involvement reflects a truly generational commitment to the community.
“Ringing the bell today, surrounded by my family and care team, was one of the most powerful moments of my life,” said Cori Reynolds, a breast cancer survivor treated at the MemorialCare Breast Center. “It symbolized not just the end of my cancer treatment, but the incredible support I received throughout my journey. MemorialCare gave me more than just medical care – they cared for my mental and emotional well-being. Through support programs like Women Guiding Women, I found strength and hope. These resources made all the difference, and that’s why we’re raising funds today to ensure others have access to this same support.”
These support programs are designed to teach patients and their families how to cope with a cancer diagnosis. Support Programs like Beat the Odds and Boost the Odds offer research-based strategies for improving quality of life, managing symptoms and side effects and positively impacting survival after a cancer diagnosis. Women Guiding Women: Cancer Support & Education, pairs newly diagnosed women with breast or gynecologic cancers with cancer survivors who guide them through diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and recovery.
In addition to specialized programs, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute offers patients a comprehensive range of services, including spiritual care, nurse navigators, social workers, and a mind-body oncology coach and yoga. These services are focused on delivering holistic care that addresses patients’ physical, mental, and emotional needs.
“Team Spirit Long Beach is more than just a fundraiser,” said Mariusz Wirga, M.D., medical director, psychosocial oncology, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute. “It’s a celebration of life and a time to honor those touched by cancer. At MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, we understand that cancer is not just a physical challenge – it’s a journey of the mind and spirit. Our psychosocial support programs are critical to helping patients navigate this journey, and the funds raised through Team Spirit Long Beach allow us to continue providing and expanding these essential services.”
While the 5K is over, fundraising for Team Spirit Long Beach will continue until the end of October. To help the team reach their goal, visit our Team Spirit event page.
