GBMC HealthCare Inc. hosted its 16th annual fundraising event, Legacy Chase, at Shawan Downs in Cockeysville, Md. on Saturday, September 24, 2016. Legacy Chase is the culmination of a year-long fundraising effort for the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute; funds raised will support oncology services and patient support programs.
This year’s time-honored annual tradition of steeplechase racing and family-friendly fun celebrated cancer survivors by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cancer awareness ribbon! The lavender ribbon, a symbol of GBMC’s commitment to fight against all cancers, stretched over a mile and half long, (7,953 feet and one inch) right in the infield of Shawan Downs.
“Statistics show that one in three people have been touched by cancer in some way. Here at The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute, the physicians, nurses and staff treat every patient as they would want their own loved ones to be treated,” said John B. Chessare, MD, President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare Inc. “During the 16th annual Legacy Chase, we were excited to ‘Chase The Record!’ and mark this momentous occasion by spending the day celebrating survivorship with our patients and their loved ones.”
Stretched across 300 acres of green meadows at Shawan Downs in Northern Baltimore County, Legacy Chase typically attracts more than 7,000 equestrian fans, friends and families from across the region for steeplechase races, railside tailgating, live music, great food and family-friendly activities, including the time-honored tradition of the G. Leslie Grimes Stick Pony Race. However, this year’s already ‘record-breaking’ event attracted an estimated 10,000 supporters and fans to Shawan Downs.
More than 100 corporations, foundations and individual donors stepped forward and joined thousands of supporters of Legacy Chase this year to collectively contribute more than $2 million for GBMC’s incredible oncology services team.
2016’s Legacy Chase by the numbers:
- 1,300: Number of patients and families in attendance.
- 500+: Number of GBMC employees and their families in attendance.
- 300+: Number of day-of volunteers.
- 32: Number of GBMC departments that participated in signing and/or fundraising for the cancer awareness ribbon.
- 6: Number of “reunions” of GBMC departments and patients present (Comprehensive Obesity Management Program, nursing, residents, Cleft Lip & Palate, NICU, Cancer Survivors).
Proceeds from the 16th annual Legacy Chase will benefit the oncology services at GBMC HealthCare to ensure a healthier future for all. GBMC HealthCare has worked to perfect oncology services over the last 51 years of operation. The only comprehensive community cancer program certified with distinction by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer in the Baltimore region, GBMC has invested in talent and technology to provide the best for oncology patients. Whether they are in need of outpatient, inpatient, home care, hospice or survivorship services, the more than 2,000 new cancer cases GBMC diagnoses and treats annually receive the best care from top oncology talent and leadership.
