Tina Fernandez, Executive Director of HERS Breast Cancer Foundation, says that in the nonprofit world, it’s near unheard of to have the same fundraiser running for two and a half decades. While Washington Hospital’s Top Hat Gala is on its 38th year, smaller nonprofits often see a drop-off in enthusiasm after a few years as supporters lose interest in the concept. But HERS’ annual 5 and 10K Walk / Run—and now Yoga—event has stood the test of time, celebrating 25 years in 2024. “I think it’s because of the cause,” she muses. Along with the spring Pink Tie People With Purpose Gala, the event raises money to help un- and under-insured cancer patients access post-surgical recovery products.
The HERS main office in Fremont—there are also San Leandro and Livermore locations—resembles a cozy boutique. Breast cancer patients can purchase a wig or lymphedema compression sleeve, and be fitted for a prosthetic and bra with a specialist. Fernandez explains, “Our bodies are such a big part of how we present to the world. You lose a breast or two breasts to breast cancer–it can be really devastating. And on top of it for many women our hair is a big part of who we are. Especially people who present as feminine and that’s part of their being…It’s a double whammy.”
Fernandez cited a stat that one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. That number seems high enough, but it doesn’t include the people affected who aren’t diagnosed themselves but see a loved one go through treatment. That’s why at the Walk Run Yoga, you’ll see people of all ages and genders coming out to support survivors and remember those who have passed away.
This year’s event, scheduled for September 28 at Quarry Lakes Park, will include the traditional ceremony where survivors gather in a circle for a symbolic dove release with paper doves, with the song Wind Beneath My Wings playing. Registrants can get breakfast courtesy of Fremont Elks Club and Banter Bookshop, and the race will kick off with a Bollywood Warmup led by Sana Zaheer. “To see everyone on the grass doing this Bollywood warmup, it’s a lot of fun,” Fernandez describes. “It looks like it’s easy—I did it last year, and it’s not! I was panting at the end.”
Other features of the event include the community expo with booths from local health organizations and nonprofits, and a lunch provided by Dutra Enterprises. The Buentello Gilligan family will return this year with a booth where runners can buy a paper footprint to write the name of a person they want to dedicate their race to, and pin the footprint to their bib. As last year’s rain prevented the family from doing their setup as planned, this year they are returning with the same theme “There’s No Place Like Hope” in a Wizard of Oz-themed booth. Volunteer Shari Gent will lead the yoga. People who want to join in are asked to bring their own mats, blocks, as the yoga segment will take place on concrete.
Runners and walkers will receive a finisher medal—in addition to event t-shirts and bibs—and there will be first, second and third place winners in different categories. Plus, registrants can compete in the costume contest! Fernandez reflects, “It’s a combination of things that are fun and things that are definitely more poignant, and especially meaningful for patients. And I think that’s what continues to draw community members back.”
In the weeks leading up to the Walk Run Yoga, HERS is looking for volunteers to help with setup on Friday, September 27 and on the day of the event. Email [email protected] for more information. Check-in for registrants starts at 7am, so Fernandez and her team are used to starting early. “We show up at 5am,” she explains. “It’s dark. We have lots of flashlights, and we actually have these miners lamps that are actually helpful.”
She says, “For patients and survivors and their loved ones, and our sponsors, to come out year after year for 25 years and they’re still enthused about this event, that says a lot.”
Early bird pricing is available through August 29. In addition to the race options available in person, there’s also a virtual participation option.
25th HERS Walk / Run / Yoga fundraiser
Saturday, Sept 28
7:30–11:30am
Quarry Lakes
2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont
