Cancer survivors, families, volunteers and community supporters gathered along Long Beach’s waterfront earlier this month to participate in Cancer Support Community South Bay’s second annual “Together We Walk” 5K walk and run.
The event brings together the community in strength and solidarity to empower individuals and families impacted by cancer, as well as raise funds for the vital programs that the nonprofit offers.
“Together We Walk,” which was held on Sunday, March 8, at Shoreline Park, had more than 275 participants and raised nearly $36,000 to support free programs for individuals and families impacted by cancer, organizers said.
A young supporter and cancer survivor shared messages of encouragement along the course of the Cancer Support Community South Bay’s second annual “Together We Walk” 5K walk and run held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of the Cancer Support Community South Bay)
Participants warm up before the event as ElectriKIDS leads a high-energy pre-walk stretch at the Cancer Support Community South Bay’s second annual “Together We Walk” 5K walk and run held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of the Cancer Support Community South Bay)
Spectators pause along the waterfront to watch the Long Beach Fire Department’s fireboat water display during the Cancer Support Community South Bay’s second annual “Together We Walk” 5K walk and run held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of the Cancer Support Community South Bay)
A Long Beach Fire Department fireboat launches a ceremonial water display in the harbor to kick off Cancer Support Community South Bay’s second annual “Together We Walk” 5K walk and run held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of the Cancer Support Community South Bay)
Participants set off along the Long Beach waterfront during the Cancer Support Community South Bay’s second annual “Together We Walk” 5K walk and run held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of the Cancer Support Community South Bay)
Representatives from sponsor MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute take part in the community expo during Cancer Support Community South Bay’s second annual “Together We Walk” 5K walk and run held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of the Cancer Support Community South Bay)
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A young supporter and cancer survivor shared messages of encouragement along the course of the Cancer Support Community South Bay’s second annual “Together We Walk” 5K walk and run held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of the Cancer Support Community South Bay)
Founded in 1987, Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) is a nonprofit that has served more than 30,000 individuals and provides 200 free programs per month of social and emotional support, education and hope for people with cancer and their families, according to its website.
CSC South Bay’s goal is to help as many cancer patients as possible recover from the physical and emotional effects of cancer to the greatest extent possible, according to its website. Programs include weekly support groups, cancer-specific networking groups and individual counseling. Additional offerings include kids’ community programs, stress-reduction and healthy-lifestyle activities, educational lectures and workshops on nutrition, treatment and more.
Proceeds from “Together We Walk” support these programs and provide support and hope for cancer patients and their loved ones throughout the South Bay and Long Beach communities, organizers said.
“Together We Walk” was created to honor the legacy of Judith Opdahl, who served as executive director and CEO of CSC South Bay for 25 years and helped share the organization’s mission of providing compassionate support for people affected by cancer, according to its website.
This year’s event kicked off with a Long Beach Fire Department fireboat water display and a pre-walk warm-up led by ElectriKIDS – a nonprofit that leads high-energy workouts for all ages. There was also a community expo featuring local partners and wellness resources.
Participants of all ages made their way along the 5K course that had views of the Aquarium of the Pacific, Sea Shell Park, Shoreline Village, Parkers’ Lighthouse, Queen Mary and the harbor.
“Today is about more than walking or running. It is about coming together as a community,” Jillian Van Leuven, executive director and CEO of CSC South Bay, said in a statement. “When we show up for each other and walk side by side, we remind ourselves that none of us has to face difficult moments alone. That is exactly what we do every day at Cancer Support Community South Bay, walking alongside individuals and families impacted by cancer by providing connection, support and hope.”
“Together We Walk” has strong support from survivors, families, community members and local businesses and organizations.
Sponsors for the event included LIFT Airborne Technologies, Deborah Patrick, ElectriKIDS, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Magee and Adler APC, Port of Long Beach, Black Knight Patrol, Century Housing, Dr. Dan Hovenstine and Richard Bruno, Jeff Arnold and Sophia Wong, Kinecta Wealth Management, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Alan and Kelli Vieweg, Maniaci Insurance Services, Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Grunion Gazette and Press-Telegram.