Bridge 2 Bridge Danville – Running Together for Cancer Support
Over 1,100 people participated in previous Bridge 2 Bridge marathons. Courtesy of Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association.
Moriah Shepherd is the executive director of the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association, a local organization that assists individuals receiving cancer treatment. With only two full-time and one part-time staff, this small office has had a massive impact on the community.
“We are a nonprofit that has been around since the 1950s,” Moriah said. “Our focus is to walk alongside cancer patients in the Danville and Pittsylvania County area and assist with financial and emotional support.”
A large piece of the organization’s services is financial assistance in the form of mileage reimbursement. In 2024, it reimbursed clients for a total of 500,000 miles. Many of the patients, unfortunately, have to travel hundreds of miles to receive specialized care to treat rare cancers.
The Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association also helps with the expenses of prescription drugs, copays, and nutritional supplements. It even provides unique supplies such as canes, hospital bed rentals for the home, and wheelchairs. Each client is eligible to receive up to $500 in monthly assistance.
The current client roster numbers 440 individuals. There are no income barriers or wait lists. The only qualifications are that the individual must live in the Danville or Pittsylvania County area and actively receive cancer treatment. The reimbursements are weekly, and no eligible individuals have been turned away.
The Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association also offers emotional support through its COPING cancer support group that meets on the third Thursday of every month (except June and December). This group is a place for clients and caregivers to gather, share thoughts, and offer help. Its members include guest speakers, survivors, caregivers, and current patients. It offers art therapy called “Throw Paint at Cancer” every Thursday at no cost. All the materials are provided, as well as an instructor. This class is open to all cancer survivors and their caregivers.
This may all sound too good to be true, but this organization is a real resource we are blessed to have in our area. How can you support it? The Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association is a nonprofit organization that receives 100 percent of its financing from fundraising. Bridge 2 Bridge Danville, held each spring, is its largest fundraiser. According to Moriah, it is the brainchild of Karen Johnston, who also owns the Hallmark store in the Danville Mall. Karen is a cancer survivor who partnered with the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association 16 years ago.
While receiving treatment, Karen started to think of ways to help others who were dealing with cancer. She contacted The Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association and told them her idea for a race to act as a fundraiser, and Bridge 2 Bridge Danville was born. Karen’s initial goal was to raise $5,000. Over the past 16 years, Bridge 2 Bridge Danville has raised over $1 million that directly benefits local cancer patients through the association’s resources.
Bridge 2 Bridge Danville is open to the entire community and offers unlimited participation. Last year, there were 1,100 participants. Anyone can enter with or without sponsorship. The Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association receives 100 percent of the race fee. Sponsors do help; last year, about 75 sponsors chipped in.
The largest portion of the race is a 5k charity/untimed walk, which over half of the 1,100 participants chose to enter. There is also a kids’ fun run, plus a 5k race, 10k race, and half-marathon, which all occur on the same day. There will even be virtual race options available. Bridge 2 Bridge Danville is a hybrid street and trail race. The walk is primarily between Union Street Bridge, the MLK Bridge, and the trailhead in between. Many people walk in memory of loved ones or with a team for a loved one. The Bridge 2 Bridge Danville organizers realize this is an emotional and physical event and have spots on each bib to place a loved one’s name.
“Bridge 2 Bridge [Danville] is one of our pillar fundraisers,” Moriah said. “One case of Ensure costs $35, so just by registering for the race, participants are covering this need for one client.” Shepherd explained, “Because of the support of this community, Bridge 2 Bridge is the largest race in the area. Nothing comes close. Our goal for 2025 is to exceed 1,100 participants.”
This year’s race will be held on April 12, 2025. For pricing and more information, visit Bridge2BridgeDanville.com.
Even those who can’t race can come out to cheer on the participants. Volunteering or donating to the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association helps as well. Local businesses that would like to become a race sponsor should contact the number below. Those who are going through treatments may contact the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association.
223 Riverview Dr
Suite J
Danville, Va. 24541
434-791-3227
DanPittCancer.org
