Stamford Hospital's Bennett Cancer Center is thrilled to announce that their annual Walk, Run & Ride event has surpassed its $1 million fundraising goal. This is the first time the Walk, Run & Ride event has reached a goal of this proportion in its 16-year history.

The Walk, Run & Ride event is one of the largest and longest-running participatory charity events in Fairfield County, and is the signature event for Hope in Motion, Stamford Hospital's theme for year-round cancer fundraising. All proceeds from Hope in Motion directly support the programs and services that benefit Stamford Hospital's Bennett Cancer Center patients and their families. These include: clinical trials and cancer research, exercise and nutrition education and consultation programs, support services and transportation (in conjunction with the local chapter of the American Red Cross), as well as the Nurse Navigation, Integrative Medicine, genetic counseling and Survivorship programs.

"We could not have achieved this very significant milestone without the endless dedication of our patients, families, community participants, sponsors and teams who take part in this event year after year," said Liz Manfredo, Director, Cancer Services, Bennett Cancer Center. "Over the years we have grown the event from just a walk to a walk, run and ride that attracts five thousand people – a testament to the exceptional care we provide right here in our community and the fact that cancer is a nondiscriminatory disease. We are looking forward to another wonderful year of planning events and coming together to touch the lives of those affected by cancer."

This year, a surge of grassroots events popped up all over southwestern Connecticut, ranging from lemonade stands and bake sales to concerts. Anyone can plan a Hope in Motion fundraiser of any size and scale, with all funds raised directly benefitting the Bennett Cancer Center.

To learn more about Hope in Motion and the Walk, Run & Ride event, visit www.hope-in-motion.org, call (203) 276-5920, or check Hope in Motion's Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn profiles.

Save the date for next year's Walk, Run & Ride, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 3.