Event raises $18,000 for C. Oregon cancer programs

Organizers raised more than $18,000 for Tour des Chutes programs that help Central Oregonians thrive through cancer at this year’s third-annual Press On: Moving Lives Through Cancer event, which was held Saturday, Sept. 23 at Atlas Cider Company in Bend.

A Bend-based event established by physical therapists to spotlight the role movement and exercise can play in the lives of those affected by cancer, Press On is a community fundraising celebration featuring food, drink, live music, a 5K fun run and educational booths.

Since its first event in 2015, Press On has raised nearly $38,000 for local programs supporting those with and/or affected by cancer. Nearly $6,500 was raised in its inaugural year, and in 2016, Press On brought in $13,000 for programs.

“It’s been incredible to play a role in an effort that continues to grow, both in donations and support, from year to year,” said Bend oncology physical therapist Meredith Wampler-Kuhn, co-founder and lead organizer of the event. “We continue to be so grateful to all the sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors, runners and attendees who contributed in making this event so amazing.”

Funds were raised through local sponsors; special beverage sales from Atlas Cider, Immersion Brewing, Humm Kombucha, Silver Moon Brewing and Volcano Vineyards; entry fees from the Recharge 5K Fun Run; and pre-event promotions by Bangers & Brews and Strictly Organic Coffee Co.

Press On was also supported through donations by a number of clinics and health centers throughout Central Oregon, including contributions from 13 local private practice physical therapy clinics.

“Press On is a unique opportunity for Central Oregon physical therapists to come together to raise support within the community for cancer survivors,” said Laura Cooper, a physical therapist with Therapeutic Associates in Bend, a Press On sponsor. Cooper specializes in post-mastectomy and breast cancer rehabilitation. “Having practiced in Bend for the past 20 years, Press On is the first event of its kind that brings us together in collaboration in a fun, engaging way with our local community.”

Press On was founded in 2015 by Wampler-Kuhn, fellow physical therapist and Vantage Clinical Solutions CEO Tannus Quatre, and Vantage Clinical Solutions marketing coordinator Ben Montgomery. This year, a core volunteer team helped support a larger effort – a team that included event coordinator Debby Ofstedahl, venue manager Stacey Simpson, 5K coordinators Renee Metivier and Sherri Dean, and music/sound coordinator Meshem Jackson.

Quatre credits the group’s strong partnership with Atlas Cider County as a key component to Press On’s success.

“Atlas has been a key partner for us since the very beginning, and we’re honored to collaborate with such socially conscious, community minded local business,” he said. “They’ve gone above and beyond to support both the event and the cause of cancer survivorship, and we’re already making plans to make this an even more successful event next year.”

Press On was made possible thanks to the generosity of a number of local sponsors and contributors, including Atlas Cider Company, Market of Choice, PT Pub Night, St. Charles Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Associates, Recharge, Meredith Wampler-Kuhn PT, DPT, DPTSc, Vantage Clinical Solutions, Humm Kombucha, Immersion Brewing, High Lakes Health Care, Step & Spine Physical Therapy, The Source Weekly, Focus Physical Therapy, Oncology Radiologists Linyee Chang & Russ Omizo, Combined Communications, The Bulletin, Cascade Business News, Hands On Physical Therapy, Press Pros, Alpine Physical Therapy, Bangers & Brews, Peak Performance Physical Therapy, Redbird Physio, Apex Physical Therapy, Rebound Physical Therapy, Southside Physical Therapy, Healing Bridge Physical Therapy, Strictly Organic Coffee Co., G5, Living Well Physical Therapy, Silver Moon Brewing, Blackwell Development LLC, Volcano Vineyards, Therapy Works Physical Therapy, Grace Bio-Labs, and Adventure Medics.

For more information about Press On: Moving Lives Through Cancer, visit pressonbend.com.