I’m excited to invite you to join Team Parker Strong in the upcoming Gilda’s Run/Walk 2025! This meaningful event supports Gilda’s Club Madison, an organization that provides critical cancer support services—free of charge—to people of all ages and at every stage of their cancer journey, along with their families and loved ones.
With the blessing from the Bolton Family, we’ve formed this team to honor their courageous warrior, Parker Bolton, and the many people we love who have faced and are currently facing cancer. Many of you are familiar with the incredible strength, resilience, and unwavering perseverance Parker displayed throughout his battle with cancer. While Parker hasn’t directly received services from Gilda’s Club, he has been uplifted by amazing organizations like Lurie Children’s Hospital, Cal’s Angels, Make-A-Wish, and, most importantly, the incredible network of family and friends who surround him. Everyone who knew Parker and the Bolton family will continue to cherish his memory and carry him with us for the rest of our lives. This is one way that I choose to keep Parker on this journey we call life.
My mom is a cancer survivor and is my best friend, greatest confidant, partner in crime, and my biggest motivator to make a difference in the cancer community. In true Gilda fashion, she maintains her humor, positivity, and strength through the ups and downs of this journey. With her incredible 25+ year career in hospice, I have seen firsthand the impact she makes on those going through the hardest times while losing a loved one. I am honored to make a change in my community for those facing cancer, to ensure they have the support they need to live their fullest life while on a cancer journey. Mama, I hope one day I can give even a small portion of the light you have given me back to this world.
Sadly, many individuals facing cancer in Wisconsin don’t have the same robust support system. That's why we’re participating in this event—not just in honor of those we have loved and lost, or continue to love and support, but for all those who we don't know who are in need of the care and compassion that organizations like Gilda’s Club Madison provide.
How You Can Help:
- Join Team Parker Strong: Whether you choose to run or walk, your participation will help raise awareness and support for those who need it most.
- Virtual Participants: If you’re not local to Wisconsin, you can still take part! Register as a virtual 5K runner or 2-mile walker. Complete your steps on your own time and share your journey on social media by tagging Gilda’s Club Madison and using the hashtag #gildasrunwalk. We can mail you your shirt or beanie hat!
- Make a Donation: If you’re unable to participate, please consider donating to Team Parker Strong. Every contribution makes a difference.
- Find your "Why": Where can you make a difference locally in your community and for those you love? Cancer support doesn't stop after a fundraising event. Find an organization close to you and close to your heart, and learn of ways you can give back. Today, more than ever, we have to band together to support each other. These are uncertain times, and we cannot wait for our government to uplift us. We must remain strong, unified, and courageous.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me (Taylor) at (630) 618-9492. Call or text! Your support means the world to us, and we hope you'll join us as we run and walk in honor of our warriors: Parker, JoAnne, unnamed family members and friends, and all those that we love who have and are fighting this treacherous battle.
Thank you for being part of this journey!