Raising money at the 2015 UMASS Medicine Walk & Run Charity Drive

The 20th Anniversary UMASS Cancer Walk & Run is this Sunday. Help Andy crush his fundraising goal of $17,500!

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the UMASS Cancer Walk, held every September to raise money for cancer research and care. 

Andy Payette, CRMD’s vice president of engagement, knows all too intimately about the devastating reality of cancer. In 1989, at just 31 years old Marc Andre Payette succumbed to his battle with Osteosarcoma, a rare cancer of the bone.

In memory of his late father Marc, Andy, Scott and all his family started Team M.A.P as a means to raise money for adult and pediatric cancer research and honor their father’s hard fought battle with the disease. Since 2009, they have participated every year in the Cancer Walk, raising over $80,000(!) and rallying 70+ participants to raise money to support research, care and life-saving clinical trials.

The Payette family continue to raise funds beyond the September walk and personally donate money to assist with medical bills for families affected by terminal diagnosis. To further this effort, Team M.A.P also runs an annual Golf Tournament, NCAA March Madness bracket fundraiser, and other events throughout the year to continue raising money to help find a cure.

Read more about the story behind Team M.A.P

“Cancer impacts everyone in some shape or form. It is Team M.A.P.’s mission to do everything they can to help find a cure and support local families who are battling a cancer diagnosis. From travel, medical expenses, income shortages or just having the money to enjoy the time left with your family and friends, there are significant costs above and beyond the physical and emotional tolls of being diagnosed with cancer. Our family thanks everyone for their support and hope to continue to work with all of you to continue to make a difference.”