Over 500 students from six rival Catholic high schools walked arm in arm for the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) this past month. Their annual Walk for Joy event brings them together under one cause, JOY. This year marks the highest number of participating schools since the event began in 2015 and they raised over $46,000 for CCA!

Participating schools included Jesuit High School Portland, Central Catholic High School, St. Mary’s Academy, Valley Catholic School, La Salle Catholic College Preparatory, and De La Salle North Catholic High School.

Three Miles for a Cause

Students began their walk at De La Salle North Catholic and proceeded three miles to the University of Portland where they held mass. Four students then shared powerful stories and reflections around cancer, joy, and community.

Regina Ellis, CCA’s Chief Joy Officer and her son, Zack, attended the event and spoke to the students, thanking them for their continued hard work.

Stepping into the Future

Principal of Jesuit High School, Paul Hogan, reflected on why the event is so important to his students, “I think they understand how fortunate they are to be healthy. All Catholic schools teach our kids to give back and be of service to the community. CCA is a secular organization, but it does a lot of sacred work. Walk for Joy takes childhood cancer and suffuses it with joy and the idealism of young people. I just love that! At a time when people are divided, we are pulling together. That’s the best kind of lesson for high school students.”

You Can Help!

Thanks to sponsors Tillamook, Beaverton Toyota, Bell Hardware, and Portland Gear for your help in making this another successful year!

Students from each school are continuing to fundraise to hit their goal of $50,000. This year they are just a few thousand dollars away! Donate now to show your support for these amazing kids and help them hit their goal.