About

On August 2, 1996, the first Cancer Walk was started in Mitchell, SD. Under the sanction of the American Cancer Society and called the Relay for Life, the event was held at Joe Quintal Field and raised about $15000. We had 5 corporate sponsors: Mitchell Exchange Club, Trail King Trailers, CorTrust Bank, Commercial Bank, and Fulton State Bank. Our first Honorary Chairperson was Maggie Moran Nelson and we had 60 teams participate.​

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The second Relay for Life was held in 1997 and the event raised about $22000. The walk was moved to the Mitchell Middle School where it remained until 2020 when the Covid Pandemic forced us all to change our plans. After the event in 1997, a change requested by the American Cancer Society that the walk should be overnight was received with little excitement from the committee and so the Heart and Sole Cancer Walk was created. 

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The first Heart and Sole Cancer Walk was held in 1998. As the walk grew and earnings started to reach upwards of $40000, a co-committee called the Mitchell Area Cancer Assistance Board (MACA) was created to distribute the funds. Since then, the Mitchell Heart and Sole Cancer Walk has distributed more than $600,000 to residents of our community who are bravely fighting cancer!

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In 2002 a 5k run was added to the event. We still draw more participants and it's so heartwarming to cheer people of all ages running in the heat of summer to help their neighbors and friends.

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As time passes we keep evolving and looking for ways to help raise funds. Cancer doesn't quit and we don't either! In 2021 we moved to Hitchcock Park where we walk, celebrate and honor those we've known who fought cancer. It truly is a night to remember!  We always kick off the walk with our honorary chairpersons leading the survivors lap. The night is filled with music, laughter, socializing with friends and family and various entertainment including a children's area for our younger participants. It is a night to share with loved ones, remember those that have passed and to cheer on those currently in the battle as well as a reminder for all to live each moment to the fullest! Luminaries of those past and present light the path and it truly is an unforgettable experience. 

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The committee feels honored to be involved with a project of love. The support of all people from so may communities is something that our survivors need and appreciate. Most of our supplies and needs are met through donations of various businesses and individuals and our committee is made up on unpaid volunteers who have the servant-hearts to help others. We can't thank you enough as this absolutely would not be possible without the continued donations of our sponsors and community!