Be a Part of the Cure Walk

The Be a Part of the Cure Walk is a premier community event organized by the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, the walk is held at the historic War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Unlike many cancer-specific fundraisers, this event is designed to celebrate, honor, and remember individuals touched by all types of cancer across the state of Arkansas.

The geography of the event centers on War Memorial Stadium, a landmark in the heart of Little Rock. The walk typically utilizes the flat, paved surfaces within the stadium complex and the surrounding park areas, making it accessible for patients in various stages of treatment. In early May, Little Rock typically experiences lush spring conditions with average daytime temperatures of 25°C (77°F). The stadium's infrastructure, including the massive Jumbotron, is integrated into the event to display survivor stories, photos, and tribute videos submitted by participants from across the region.

Logistically, the event serves as a platform for sharing patient narratives and clinical success stories, such as advances in proton therapy for larynx cancer and the critical role of annual mammograms in breast cancer detection. Participation includes access to vendor booths, sponsorship displays, and volunteer-led activities. The walk is not just a physical activity but a significant fundraising pillar for UAMS research; for instance, the institute currently supports researchers investigating prostate cancer and genetic risk factors. For those traveling to the event, parking is facilitated at the UAMS parking deck on West Capitol Avenue, with further coordination managed through the Cancer Institute’s central office on Jack Stephens Drive.