A pair of dogs participate in the 2024 Canines Against Cancer walk to benefit Each Moment We’re Alive.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The paws will hit the pavement to support cancer survivors on Aug. 22 as the nonprofit Each Moment We’re Alive hosts its sixth annual Canines Against Cancer at the Morgan Road Pavilion in West Springfield.
West Springfield resident Cindy Sheridan Murphy is the founder and executive director of Each Moment We’re Alive. She began the organization to fill a need she experienced first-hand.
Sheridan Murphy has had two bouts of breast cancer. The initial diagnosis came in 2009, after which she had two lumpectomies. Four years later, a lump the size of an orange suddenly appeared in her breast. It was removed and she underwent radiation. Sheridan Murphy later received a diagnosis of melanoma and was treated for that.
While that was the end of Sheridan Murphy’s medical battles, it was the start of a different kind of struggle. “When treatment ends, so does the support,” she said. Because Sheridan Murphy must avoid future exposure to radiation, she could not resume her job as a dental hygienist. Lost and with nowhere to turn, she was stuck wondering “what now?”
Sheridan Murphy eventually found other cancer survivors who had similar experiences. “We found we all were experiencing the same thing, but we were struggling in silence because we thought we were the only one,” she said. This realization motivated Sheridan Murphy to create Each Moment We’re Alive, a nonprofit cancer survivors’ group that provides support from the first day of treatment until well after the doctor’s visits and surgeries are over.
Each Moment We’re Alive guides survivors to resources, runs support groups and a live, eight-week survivorship program. With most programs, Sheridan Murphy said, “It’s all handouts. There’s no one to talk to live.” Each Moment We’re Alive provides a more personal experience for people.
“It’s a community nobody ever wants to join,” Sheridan Murphy said, but “you’re never alone. Three o’clock in the morning, you can talk to someone.”
Each Moment We’re Alive created the Canines Against Cancer walk six years ago as a fundraiser, allowing the organization to continue offering its services free of charge. More than “just another cancer walk,” Sheridan Murphy said she wanted the event to be a celebration for survivors and a chance to remember those who lost their battles.
A member of the organization had three golden retrievers and Sheridan Murphy said that she and others in the group realized the therapeutic role animals, especially dogs, have in healing. Even in the midst of depression and illness, she said, “You’ve got to get up out of bed because you have to walk them.”
Canines Against Cancer is a three-quarter mile walk, with inspirational painted rocks to collect along the way. The short distance and the inexpensive $15 registration fee are designed to make the walk as accessible as possible. The registration fee for children under age 12 is $8 and all registration fees include a voucher for food after the walk.
The walk kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at West Springfield’s Morgan Road Pavillion. However, people who are not in the area can register to participate virtually. “We have teams that can’t be here [who are] walking in their neighborhoods. I had a woman in Michigan do that,” Sheridan Murphy said.
In years past, the number of participants has ranged from 75 to 150 people. This year, Sheridan Murphy’s goal is 200 participants. Participants are not required to fundraise, but she said it provides more funds for the organization. Those who raise $75 or more will receive a 2025 event T-shirt.
Considering the theme of the walk, Sheridan Murphy said, “Dogs are more than welcome, but they’re not necessary.” Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, which brings certified therapy dogs to various locations, will be at the event.
The event is family-friendly, with a children’s craft table, playground, horseshoes, cornhole, and other activities. There will also be also raffles, including a children’s raffle basket in honor of “Magic for Maddie,” a different cancer charity. Food will be available from the Beavers Club of Western Massachusetts and the band CO-2 will provide live music at the event.
To register to walk, visit tinyurl.com/yc5uxac7. To learn more about sponsorship, contact cindy@eachmomentwerealive.org.
