Austin Hope, Steps & A Cure: April 18, 2010

The Austin Hope, Steps & A Cure Walk was a rousing success! 

There were more than 145 registered walkers, 14 walk teams, and over $27,000 was raised from this event!

It was a partly-sunny, but warm spring day in Austin for the walk!  Our celebrity starter – and National Honorary Walk Chair – Connie Britton attended the walk, and her presence and inspirational words moved everyone.

After the walkers checked in, they could enjoy eating a variety of snacks, bidding on the silent auction, and signing the walk poster.  Team pictures were taken under the banner on the bleachers by festive red, white and yellow balloons.

The official walk program included inspirational remarks from patients and families.  Members of the medical community also spoke to the group.  Friday Night Lights star Connie Britton, who lost her father to MDS, also shared encouraging words. Following a moment of remembrance, the walk began along the Lady Bird Trail by the Colorado River!  

The walkers strolled along the scenic park path by the river, attracting the attention of people in the city, including those in town for the blues festival.  A group photo was taken next to a statue of Austin legend Stevie Ray Vaughan. 

At the end of the walk, volunteers handed out Bravery bracelets to all walkers.

Following the walk, patients, families and friends enjoyed a light lunch.  Walk organizers also recognized top fundraising teams and volunteers.  Everyone who attended enjoyed connecting, relaxing and sharing with fellow patients and families.   It was a wonderful day of spreading awareness for bone marrow failure disease and of hope and celebration! 

Thank you to our wonderful walk committee Stephanie Hamm, Monica Fairchild, Carmen Romo de Vivar and Ginger Caron whose work and dedication ensured a successful event!  Thank you to our wonderful community volunteers who helped our event run so smoothly. Thank you to our patients, families, and friends of AA&MDSIF who walked together for Hope, Steps, & A Cure.

Thank you to our walk sponsors: