Step for Hope 5K Brings New England Community Together for Cancer Awareness

BOSTON — More than 130 community members from across New England gathered along the Charles River on September 12 for the Step for Hope 5K Run/Walk, organized by Sewa International USA–Boston in support of the Cancer Mukti Foundation (CMF).

The event brought together families, friends, volunteers, cancer survivors and supporters from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, united by a shared commitment to raising awareness about cancer and supporting those affected by the disease.

Dr. Salil Midha, the event’s chief guest, officially kicked off the 5K by cutting the ribbon.

For many participants, the morning carried a deeply personal meaning. Some ran or walked in memory of loved ones lost to cancer, while others participated to show support for friends and family members currently facing the disease.

The event also featured powerful examples of resilience. One participant celebrated 20 years of being cancer-free. Another, who had suffered a major road accident just months earlier and undergone multiple leg surgeries, had only recently begun walking again. Encouraged by fellow participants and volunteers along the route, the individual completed the 5K with the assistance of a cane.

Before the start of the race, participants observed two minutes of silence in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The gathering also honored the first responders and others who demonstrated courage and sacrifice in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Set against the Charles River at Christian Herter Park, the event combined fitness, remembrance and community service in support of a broader health message: awareness and early action can make a difference in the fight against cancer.

The organizers expressed their appreciation to AJ Throne and Glauciano Ross Construction for donating sanitary facilities for the event. They also thanked the City of Boston and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation staff for their assistance and cooperation.

Volunteers from Sewa International and Cancer Mukti Foundation played a key role in organizing and supporting the event, while the strong turnout from the community helped make the morning a success.

The Step for Hope 5K also reflected the spirit of sewa, or service, bringing people together around a cause that affects families and communities across the region.

Cancer Mukti Foundation emphasizes four central messages: awareness, prevention, early detection and ensuring that no one faces cancer alone.

For participants, the Step for Hope 5K offered an opportunity not only to raise awareness, but also to remember loved ones, celebrate survivors, encourage those currently facing cancer and demonstrate the strength that can come from a community standing together.

Sewa International USA–Boston and Cancer Mukti Foundation thanked all participants, volunteers, supporters and community partners whose contributions helped make the event a meaningful morning of service, solidarity and hope.