Racing together toward the future of cancer care
Over the past 10 years, the Mass General Brigham Eversource Cancer 5k Run-Walk has become more than a race. Each year, the event brings together patients, survivors, families, clinicians, researchers, employees, corporate partners, volunteers, and supporters in a powerful display of community and hope, united by a shared purpose: to make a difference for people facing cancer.
To build on the race's momentum and continue advancing cancer care and research, Eversource — the event's title sponsor — recently committed $1.8 million to extend its title sponsorship through 2029. This expanded support is a testament to the event’s vibrant community of runners, walkers, and dashers and Eversource’s long-standing dedication to drive forward cancer innovation.
“Eversource has been a steadfast supporter for nearly a decade, helping us grow the 5k into one of Mass General Brigham’s most impactful community-facing fundraisers for cancer care and research,” says David Ryan, MD, president of Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. “I’m deeply grateful for their commitment to our patients and families and for all the progress their generosity will make possible.”
A growing community
Eversource’s connection to the Mass General Brigham Eversource Cancer 5k Run-Walk began back in 2018 when the company stepped in as the title sponsor of the Everyday Amazing Race, a fundraiser benefiting cancer care and research at Massachusetts General Hospital. With Eversource’s bold vision, the race has steadily expanded into what it is today, becoming a mainstay along Boston’s Charles River and attracting thousands of participants every September.
“I remember back in 2018 when 800 participants attended the race. This year, more than 3,300 participants joined us,” Ryan says. “I am endlessly inspired by the passion and dedication this community has for the work we do at Mass General Brigham and for the patients and families we serve.”
Thanks to the collective efforts of the many runners, walkers, dashers, and sponsors who convened for this year’s race, the event raised a record-breaking $1.5 million for Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute — a figure that has nearly tripled since 2018.
“This race has grown into one of our most visible community events and is a powerful expression of our mission,” says Ryan. “Every single person in attendance plays a part in moving the needle and fueling the work happening every day for patients across our organization.”
One patient who has benefited from care at the Cancer Institute is Tasha Nathan, who spoke at the event about her experience. At just 29 years old, Tasha was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer known as rhabdomyosarcoma and underwent 14 rounds of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation treatment at Mass Eye and Ear and the Cancer Institute. Today, she has no evidence of progressive disease.
To get through such a difficult time, Tasha relied on her team of compassionate caregivers, whose support helped ease her fears and gave her confidence that she was in the best possible hands. She ran this year’s 5k to express her gratitude to them and honor the memory of the late Mark Varvares, MD, FACS, the physician who led her cancer care and whom she describes as her “anchor of reassurance and hope” throughout her cancer journey.
Charting a path forward together
When the Cancer Institute officially launched last year and united Mass General Brigham’s academic medical centers, specialty hospitals, and community sites behind one cancer mission, the reach and scope of that mission expanded significantly. Going forward, the 5k is poised to play an important role in helping the Cancer Institute deliver on that mission and provide coordinated, research-informed care for patients close to home.
“As the Cancer Institute has grown, the 5k has grown in parallel,” Ryan says. “This is an exciting time in cancer innovation, and support from Eversource and the 5k community over the next several years will empower our clinicians and researchers across our organization and give them the resources to pursue the most promising ideas and care for more patients than ever before.”
Historically, the 5k has also been a key source of unrestricted funding, providing flexible dollars to help address the Cancer Institute's highest priorities and pressing needs. As the event grows, most funds raised, along with Eversource's new commitment, will remain unrestricted, enabling leaders like Ryan to respond quickly to emerging opportunities.
David Ryan, MD, presented Theresa Hopkins-Staten, president of the Eversource Energy Foundation and vice president of Community Partnership and Engagement, with an inscribed megaphone at the event in celebration of Eversource's long-standing support.
“Unrestricted funds play a critical role in the Cancer Institute’s long-term ability to innovate, attract and retain top talent, and provide the best possible care for patients,” Ryan says. “That includes advancing health outcomes research and early detection, supporting clinical trials, developing new treatments, and strengthening whole-person care for patients throughout the cancer journey.”
As Ryan and Nolan reflect on the 5k’s impact since 2018, both look forward to what the next chapter will bring.
“Thinking back on where we started to where we are now makes me so excited for what the future of our relationship will allow us to accomplish,” Ryan says. “Since joining the 5k as title sponsor, Joe Nolan and the entire Eversource team have been integral to the race’s growth and impact. With their support and support from the patients, caregivers, and community members who join us each year, we are well positioned to change how cancer is detected and treated.”
Nolan agrees, saying, “The passion and dedication of the 5k participants who make this event such a success year after year is amazing. This community changes lives, and their impact will only get bigger and better. On behalf of Eversource, we are profoundly grateful to them and proud of all we have been able to achieve — and will continue to achieve — together with Mass General Brigham.”
