Each Fall, the Healing Garden community comes together to walk, celebrate, and raise the funds that make compassionate cancer support possible.
Healing Garden clients, families, friends, volunteers, and neighbors are invited to form teams, create personal fundraising pages, and reach out to the people in their lives. Every team has its own story. Some walk in gratitude, some in honor of someone they love, and some simply because no one should have to face cancer without support and community.
Funds raised through the Perennial 5K help the Healing Garden provide support groups, therapeutic bodywork, expressive arts, movement, mindfulness, education, and individual support at little or no cost to people affected by cancer.
Walk with us. Build a team. Share your story.
Help the Healing Garden remain here for everyone who needs it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to participate or fundraise?
No. Participation is completely optional. Healing Garden services are available to you regardless of whether you join the 5K, fundraise, donate, or share your story. If you are looking for a way to give back, the 5K is a simple and meaningful way to help.
Do I have to walk the full 5K?
No. You can participate in whatever way works for your body and energy. You can walk the full route, walk a shorter route, join a team, participate virtually, ask friends or family to walk on your behalf, or simply make a gift. Participants are welcome and encouraged to walk/ride/hike at their own pace on their own schedule. You do not need to be here in person on October 4th to participate.
Can family and friends participate?
Yes. Family, friends, caregivers, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone who wants to support the Healing Garden is welcome to participate, join a team, create a team, or make a donation.
Where does the money go?
Funds raised through the 5K help support the Healing Garden’s operating budget and allow us to continue offering movement and nutrition programs, expressive arts, therapeutic bodywork, support groups, meditation and mindfulness practices, and education programs and services at low to no cost for our clients.
When and where is the 5k?
The in-person walk will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, 145 Bolton Road, Harvard, MA. Please arrive by 12:45 p.m. to check in before the walk begins.