5th Annual Gather for the Cure: Celebrating survivorship and remembering those we have lost to breast cance

Davenport, Iowa  – In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, MercyOne Genesis and the MercyOne Genesis Health Services Foundation Breast Cancer Awareness Month will host the 5th annual Gather for the Cure on Sunday, October 19, at Scott County Park, Whispering Pines Indoor Shelter.

• WHO: 5th annual Gather for the Cure
• WHEN: Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• WHERE: Scott County Park, Whispering Pines Indoor Shelter
• COST & REGISTRATION:
  • Regular registration: $30
  • Registration includes walk participation and the option for a t-shirt.
  • Register by October 7 to be guaranteed a shirt
  • Walk-ins Welcome: $30 (shirt not guaranteed) · TO REGISTER: www.mercyone.org/gather

 

Highlights

Join us in making memories at the 5th annual Gather for the Cure as we celebrate breast cancer survivorship, provide education and resources, and remember those we have lost. Your support of this event enables us to offer no-cost breast screenings, as well as provide outreach and education.

• Inspiration: Connect with others facing breast cancer and hear from our Survivor, Jenny Hager.
• Self-Directed Walk: Participate in a one-mile walk starting at 1 p.m. with lots of fun activities along the walk. Pre-registered walkers can opt to receive a t-shirt.
• Exclusive Isabel Bloom: Purchase a breast cancer awareness ornament, signed by artist Donna Young, at the event.
• "Pink Heals" Fire Truck: Sign to show your support.
• Photo Opportunity: Capture memories at our pink-themed photo station.
• Local Resources: Explore fun items and resources from area vendors dedicated to supporting those on their breast cancer journey.
• Creative Art Sessions: Join Cancer Support Communities (Gilda's Club) for engaging art activities.
• Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks.
• Caricatures: Get a personalized caricature by Draw Me Bill. Proceeds from this help support Gather for the Cure.
• Pet Therapy: Enjoy time with our therapy dogs.
• Bubble Ceremony: Blow bubbles to honor breast cancer survivors and those we've lost.

 

Background

The event is an opportunity to celebrate breast cancer survivorship, remember those lives lost to breast cancer, and learn about available programs and resources. Gather for the Cure is the primary fundraiser for the MercyOne Genesis Voucher Program. MercyOne Genesis has been administering the Voucher Program since 2001, providing no-cost mammograms and ultrasounds in a timely and efficient manner to qualifying patients.

The fundraiser will help fill the funding gap created when the Susan G. Komen organization ended financial support to voucher programs in the Quad-Cities region in 2021.

Voucher program by the numbers

• 153 Individuals accessed the Voucher Program
• 76 Iowa Residents, 77 Illinois Residents
• 8 Patients received multiple exams covered by the Voucher Program
• 92 Screening mammograms covered
• 35 Diagnostic mammograms covered
• 28 Diagnostic breast ultrasounds covered
• $26,830 paid out to cover breast health services

 

Cost should never be a barrier

Because cost should never be a barrier to accessing essential life-saving breast imaging, the MercyOne Genesis Foundation is committed to raising funds needed to meet the demand – an estimated $50,000 annually.

"Supporting breast cancer screening means taking a stand for early detection, which is our greatest weapon against this disease. By encouraging regular screening, we give women the chance to catch breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable, and ultimately save lives. Together, we can ensure that more women have access to the care and prevention they deserve,” said Tara Erpelding, Director of Oncology for MercyOne's Eastern Division.

According to the American Cancer Society, there were an estimated 3,010 new cases of female breast cancer in Iowa and 12,170 new cases of female breast cancer in Illinois in 2025.

"Breast cancer statistics aren’t just numbers-they represent our mothers, sisters, friends, and loved ones. Behind every diagnosis is a person whose life can be saved through early detection and treatment," Erpelding said.

For more information on the voucher program, go to www.mercyone.org/gather