MercyOne Genesis and the MercyOne Genesis Health Services Foundation will host the 5th annual Gather for the Cure on Sunday, Oct. 19, at Scott County Park, Whispering Pines Indoor Shelter outside Eldridge, The event, held in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will have early bird registration until Sunday, Aug. 31.
The gathering aims to celebrate breast cancer survivorship, provide education and resources, and remember those lost to the disease. Proceeds from the fundraiser support the MercyOne Genesis Voucher Program, which provides no-cost mammograms and ultrasounds to qualifying patients.
Early bird registration is $25 (until Aug. 31) per person. Regular registration is $30 (beginning Monday, Sept. 1). Registration includes walk participation and an optional T-shirt. Register by Tuesday, Sept. 30, to guarantee a shirt. Walk-ins are welcome for $30 (shirt not guaranteed).
To register, go to www.mercyone.org/gather
Event highlights:
- Inspiration: Connect with others facing breast cancer and hear from survivor Jenny Hager.
- Self-Directed Walk: Participate in a one-mile walk at 1 p.m. with various activities along the route.
- Exclusive Isabel Bloom: Purchase a breast cancer awareness ornament, signed by Isabel Bloom artist and co-owner Donna Young.
- “Pink Heals” Fire Truck: Sign the truck to show your support.
- Photo Opportunity: Capture memories at a pink-themed photo station.
- Local Resources: Explore items and resources from area vendors.
- 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, with proceeds supporting Gather for the Cure.
- Pet Therapy: Spend time with therapy dogs.
- Bubble Ceremony: Blow bubbles to honor breast cancer survivors and those who have passed.
The MercyOne Genesis Voucher Program has been administered since 2001 and is the primary fundraiser for Gather for the Cure. The fundraiser helps fill a funding gap created when the Susan G. Komen organization ended financial support to voucher programs in the Quad-Cities region in 2021.
In 2024, the voucher program assisted 153 individuals (76 Iowa residents, 77 Illinois residents), covering 92 screening mammograms, 35 diagnostic mammograms, and 28 diagnostic breast ultrasounds for a total of $26,830 in breast health services.
“Supporting breast cancer screening means taking a stand for early detection, which is our greatest weapon against this disease,” said Tara Erpelding, director of oncology for MercyOne’s Eastern Division. “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.”
The MercyOne Genesis Foundation is committed to raising an estimated $50,000 annually to meet the program’s demand and ensure cost is never a barrier to life-saving breast imaging.
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,” Ms. Erpelding said. “Behind every diagnosis is a person whose life can be saved through early detection and treatment.”
For more information, visit www.mercyone.org/gather.
