Calipatria community set to lace up for annual 2026 Cancer Walk
CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) — Leaders in Calipatria are calling on the Imperial Valley community to lace up their sneakers for a meaningful cause this weekend as the city prepares for its annual cancer walk.
What started as a focused march against breast cancer has expanded its mission to fight every form of the diagnosis.
The 2026 Calipatria Cancer Walk takes place this Saturday, October 17, hosted by a joint effort between the Calipatria Foundation and the City of Calipatria. Organizers say the annual event continues to see more participants and support every year.
“It’s just really grown into a really beautiful event, and I just wish people knew about it, more people would come out,” said Lourdes Jasso, founder and president of the Calipatria Foundation. “It’s just a celebration of life, I would say, of those that are here with us and those who have passed on.”
Unlike national campaigns, all proceeds from this weekend’s walk stay entirely within the community. The funds go directly to the Cancer Resource Center of the Desert to help patients navigate the heavy logistics of cancer care.
Due to limited local medical resources, many Imperial Valley patients must commute long distances to receive specialized oncology care.
“Our local patients… have to sometimes travel to San Diego out of county to get their specialty oncology treatment,” explained Lourdes Murcia, Deputy Executive Director for the Cancer Resource Center of the Desert. “So these funds, they stay here in the community for us to be able to provide them with transportation support, nutrition cards, [and more].”
The event features a 5K walk or run.
When: Saturday, October 17 Check-in Time: 6:45 AM Official Kickoff: 7:30 AMRegistration for the event remains open. Community members looking to sign up early can visit organizers in front of the Calipatria Community Center tomorrow, Friday, for pre-registration, or sign up directly at the center on Saturday morning before the walk begins.
Click here to follow the original article.