Long Beach’s shoreline served as the backdrop this past weekend for hundreds of cancer survivors, patients, families and community members running to support a good cause during the 26th annual Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K Walk.
The event, which benefits the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center, brought the community together to celebrate survivorship, honor loved ones who’ve dried from cancer and raise money toward a $250,000 goal supporting psychosocial cancer programs, organizers said.
Unlike medical treatments typically covered by insurance, many psychosocial resources rely on philanthropic funding to remain available, according to a MemorialCare press release. These programs help patients and families navigate the emotional, financial and practical challenges of cancer, providing resources such as counseling, nurse navigation, peer mentorship, support groups and assistance with barriers to care.
The institute’s supportive services help about 78,000 patient visits each year.
“Cancer affects far more than a patient’s physical health,” Dr. Mariusz Wirga, medical director of psychosocial oncology at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, said in a statement. “It can impact their emotional well-being, relationships and ability to manage everyday life. The generosity of everyone who participates helps us continue providing the emotional and practical support that can make a meaningful difference throughout the cancer journey.”
Long Beach community members walk at Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, to raise funds for MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute to sustain counseling, peer mentorship, nurse navigation and other cancer support services often not covered by insurance. (Photo courtesy of MemorialCare Long Beach)
Participants explored a giant walk-through pair of inflatable lungs, highlighting the importance of lung screenings, at the Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo courtesy of MemorialCare Long Beach)
Long Beach community members shared personal messages at the “Why I Walk” wall, honoring loved ones and encouraging those currently undergoing cancer treatment, at the Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo courtesy of MemorialCare Long Beach)
Long Beach community members walk at Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, to raise funds for MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute to sustain counseling, peer mentorship, nurse navigation and other cancer support services often not covered by insurance. (Photo courtesy of MemorialCare Long Beach)
Gary Purushotham, CEO of MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, and Hoda Assadian, COO of MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, present Maria Carmen (center) with a certificate recognizing her winning entry in the inaugural Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K Artwork Contest on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo courtesy of MemorialCare Long Beach)
Long Beach community members walk at Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, to raise funds for MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute to sustain counseling, peer mentorship, nurse navigation and other cancer support services often not covered by insurance. (Photo courtesy of MemorialCare Long Beach)
Long Beach community members walk at Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, to raise funds for MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute to sustain counseling, peer mentorship, nurse navigation and other cancer support services often not covered by insurance. (Photo courtesy of MemorialCare Long Beach)
Long Beach community members walk at Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, to raise funds for MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute to sustain counseling, peer mentorship, nurse navigation and other cancer support services often not covered by insurance. (Photo courtesy of MemorialCare Long Beach)
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Long Beach community members walk at Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, to raise funds for MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute to sustain counseling, peer mentorship, nurse navigation and other cancer support services often not covered by insurance. (Photo courtesy of MemorialCare Long Beach)
The money raised through the Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K will help sustain programs such as “Beat the Odds and Boost the Odds,” which teach research-based strategies for managing stress, symptoms and treatment-related side effects, the press release said.
“Women Guiding Women: Cancer Support & Education,” for example, connects newly diagnosed breast and gynecologic cancer patients with survivors who provide guidance throughout treatment and recovery. Additional resources include spiritual care, social work, mind-body oncology coaching and yoga.
These support programs are available to cancer patients and families throughout the community, regardless of where they receive treatment, hospital officials said.
Among those sharing their experiences during the Saturday, Oct. 17, event was Stacy Byone, a breast cancer survivor and nurse practitioner at the cancer institute. Having experienced cancer as both a patient and a healthcare professional, Byone now helps others navigate the challenges she once faced.
“As a breast cancer survivor, I understand firsthand how overwhelming a cancer diagnosis can be and how important it is to know you’re not facing it alone,” Byone said in a statement. “As a nurse practitioner, I have the privilege of helping patients through some of the same challenges I once faced. Team Spirit Long Beach is a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family and a community ready to support them.”
In addition to fundraising, the 3.1-mile walk featured interactive educational booths focused on cancer prevention and early detection. A giant pair of inflatable lungs, for example, highlighted the importance of lung screenings, and participants could share personal messages at the “Why I Walk” wall – honoring loved ones and encouraging those currently undergoing treatment.
The event also highlighted the longstanding relationship between MemorialCare and the Long Beach community, organizers said, bringing together physicians, nurses, volunteers and supporters who have helped sustain Team Spirit for more than two decades.
“For 26 years, Team Spirit Long Beach has demonstrated the incredible strength and generosity of our community,” Gary Purushotham, CEO of the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, said in a statement. “Since joining Long Beach Medical Center, I have seen firsthand the dedication of our care teams and the meaningful relationships they build with patients and families. It is inspiring to see our community come together to ensure no one has to navigate cancer alone.”
Fundraising for Team Spirit Long Beach continues through the end of October. To support psychosocial cancer programs at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, go to MemorialCare.org/TeamSpirit.