Walking Hand in Hand

The 19th Annual CancerFree KIDS Butterfly Walk, presented by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, returned to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens on Saturday, May 17 with more than 900 participants joining to celebrate survivors and remember those for whom a cure did not come soon enough.

This year's event had record-breaking participation with more than 70 Champion families in attendance, highlighting the growing community support for childhood cancer research. Together, participants raised more than $166,000 to fund innovative pediatric cancer research projects.

“We're overwhelmed by the incredible turnout, emotion and generosity we witnessed at this year's Butterfly Walk,” said Jill Brinck, executive eirector of CancerFree KIDS. “Every dollar raised brings us closer to our goal of developing gentler and more effective treatments for children battling cancer.”

Each year at the Butterfly Walk, families, friends and co-workers form teams to raise money in support of kids and the mission to fund research that would otherwise go unfunded. CancerFree KIDS begins the day by honoring Childhood Cancer Champions in the Champion Ceremony, followed by an inspirational walk around the zoo.

The Butterfly Walk is one of CancerFree KIDS' signature events, symbolizing hope and transformation in the fight against childhood cancer. To lean more or to donate, go to www.butterflywalk.org.