On Saturday, May 18, over 700 people attended Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana’s 11th Annual Lapper and Survivors Day event in Fort Wayne to help raise money for people with all types of cancer in our community.

Over $55,000 was raised for the organization, which provides emotional support, practical resources and information to over 3,000 people with cancer and their families each year in in Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties.

“Cancer Services is a community‐focused organization that directly impacts the lives of those living in our community,” says Kim Richards, a Cancer Services supporter and cancer survivor. “If not for this organization, I would not have made it through my cancer experience. They were my solid ground, and that’s why I participate in Lapper.”Lapper is a fundraiser designed to honor or memorialize those touched by cancer. When Lapper founder Jill Burnett first organized this event eleven years ago, she encouraged participants to test their own endurance and push past their comfort zone just as people with cancer do every day. That tradition continues, and each Lapper walked as many laps around Brotherhood Place Office Park as they could on Saturday.Immediately following the walk, participants came together to enjoy Survivors Day, a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and an outreach to the community.