Stewart’s Caring Place Reaches Community Milestone, 20 Years of the “Hope Walk”
Akron, OH (May 11, 2026) – Stewart’s Caring Place is excited to announce the success of their 20-year anniversary celebration of the Hope Walk on Saturday, May 2, 2026, with Dietra Goggins serving as honorary chair and Mimi Magazine and Mimi Surloff and Family as Premier sponsors.
This inspiring community event brought nearly 400 registrants together in Akron to celebrate the 20-year milestone of walking in solidarity with those impacted by cancer. The Hope Walk also gained momentum in Canton, with its second year drawing in 100 walkers.
The Hope Walk is both a fundraiser and a celebration of hope, resilience, and meaningful support that individuals and families navigating a cancer journey can find at Stewart’s Caring Place. The event morning was overcast with a high of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. “Despite the cold and rainy weather, the turnout at both locations blew us away!” said Sarah Vojtek, president and CEO of Stewart’s Caring Place. “Community members bundled up in full force for one another and our cause. The energy was infectious; magic was truly in the air.”
In Fairlawn, Sunrise Yoga was held at 8 a.m. for attendees to stretch prior to the walk. During 9 a.m. check-in, pre-registered guests received their complementary t-shirts while everyone had the chance to interact with exhibitor tables, food vendors, a prayer fuel station, a butterfly garden, and more. The 2.5-mile walk led attendees down Cleveland Massillon Rd. into the Rosemont Ridge neighborhood and back. The walk was kickstarted by the “thunder tunnel” created by Akron Bikers for Boobs – a community of bikers and breast cancer advocates – revving their motorcycle engines. As the walkers returned, they were greeted by a “paddle arch” created by the Dragon Dream Team – a dragon boating sports team of breast cancer survivors – who raised their paddles high to cheer on the walkers. Donated cake, ice cream, fruit, snacks, and bottled water were served thereafter.
Above left: The Dragon Dream Boat Team; Above right: Hope Walk Chair Dietra Goggins
In Canton, attendees gathered at Sippo Lake Park at 8 a.m. for a 1-mile walk along Sippo Lake. Surrounded by nature, the reflective walk created a peaceful and intimate sense of community, while sunlight filtering through the trees brought a hopeful, uplifting energy. The walkers enjoyed donated snacks and bottled water upon their return.
“The support I’ve had has empowered me to give back” said Dietra Goggins, the 20th annual Hope Walk chair, police officer with Metro RTA Transit Police Department, and advocate in Akron for many years. “We know that cancer can affect individuals, families, whole communities – so, to be able to support, give back, and let them know that they’re not by themselves, it heals our community.”
Funds raised from the Hope Walk directly support the free programs and services Stewart’s Caring Place offers to individuals and families affected by cancer, including support groups, counseling, wellness programs, and educational resources.
For event updates and more information, visit stewartscaringplace.org/events/hope-walk.
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All services and programs at Stewart’s Caring Place: Cancer Wellness Centers are available to individuals diagnosed with cancer, along with their partners or spouses, parents, children, siblings, caregivers, friends, and loved ones. Founded in memory of Dr. Stewart Surloff, Stewart’s Caring Place offers free support to residents living in Northeast Ohio and beyond. With locations in Fairlawn and Canton, its team strives to be an exemplary resource for needed cancer support services while providing a comforting environment and being a sustainable community-based organization. For more information, visit www.stewartscaringplace.org or call (330-836-1772) to learn more or to set up a tour.
Photo credit: Catherine McKinley Photography and Jeff Geffert Photography