Angel Foundation has a long-standing relationship with Minnesota Oncology (MNO): our founder, Margie Sborov, started their patient advocacy program (now social work) back in 1985, when there were just four physicians and one location. She founded Angel Foundation while still an employee of MNO and it wasn’t until 2005 when Angel Foundation became its own entity, expanding its programs and functioning independently from MNO. Still, the strong relationship between the two organizations exists today and we are so grateful for this continued partnership.

Hope in Motion is just one example of the many ways in which MNO continues to demonstrate their support. An annual event, Hope in Motion celebrates National Cancer Survivor’s Day with a 5K Run/Walk, a 1-Mile Family Walk, a Kids Run, entertainment, inspirational speakers, complimentary massages, and more. Better yet, all proceeds directly benefit Angel Foundation and those we serve! This year, the event is set to take place on Sunday, June 5 at Phalen Park in St. Paul.

Lisa Scholder, a long time distance runner and cancer survivor, was one of nearly 800 people who participated in the event last year. At the time of the event in 2015, she had a lot to celebrate.

“I survived two partial nephrectomies and, between surgeries, a hemorrhage in which I lost 75% of my blood internally in front of my daughters and went into septic shock. I had my last surgery February 17, 2015 and had begun [physical therapy] to regain strength, so returning to running empowered me to thumb my nose at cancer!

She ran alongside her husband, three daughters, and aunt, who is a breast cancer survivor.

“We had faced this trauma as a family and we would heal as a family through this physical challenge! [My] favorite part of the race was sharing the experience with my family and all of the wonderful, health orientated venders offering fun goodies. I would recommend this race experience because the focus is NOT on the end result, but on the support, love, and help for all those touched by cancer!”

Dennis Seifert, a kidney cancer survivor and two-time participant, shares that sentiment.

“My favorite part of the event is all of the people. Survivors, families, caregivers, professionals and volunteers. The support for each other is great.”

Dennis is planning to walk the mile again this year.

“After a long and intense battle with Kidney Cancer, my goal in 2014 was to just make it a mile. This year and last year I wanted to be part of the event to encourage both patients and their families.”

Interested in joining us? Visit the Hope in Motion website for more information. We hope to see you there!