“The greatest wealth is health.” –Virgil.
On a sunny morning, the community came together for a cause close to their hearts. The VT Seva Detroit Youth, known for their passionate commitment to service, organized a highly successful walkathon to support families impacted by cancer. This event was a remarkable blend of dedication, compassion, and community spirit, making a significant impact on the lives of those facing the challenges of cancer.
For 6 weeks our youth conducted a virtual walkathon, over this period, they were recruiting team members, walking, and tracking their miles.
36 Team Leads, 43 days, 235 participants raised $7000 and walked 14,081 miles!!!!
VT Seva Detroit youths yet again proved their passion to help! VT Seva Detroit Youth Board successfully completed their 4th annual hybrid walkathon on July 13, 2024, to support Angels of Hope - A Family Cancer Foundation supporting Michigan families impacted by Cancer.
The youth encouraged their team members to walk every day and ensure everyone is staying active. They used this opportunity to learn about Michigan State Parks. It is a great way to combine physical activity with education and appreciation for the natural environment. They researched about the state parks in Michigan and shared the information with all their peers.
The 4th Annual walkathon is really a special one for our youths. A well-known Philanthropist, Mr. Sunny Reddy, and his wife Dr. Sirisha Nemallapudi, MD from Smile Centers PC – Farmington have pledged to match every dollar donated up to $3500. This generous offer effectively doubles the impact of each contribution, providing a significant boost to the walkathon's fundraising efforts. Our youths worked towards raising $3500 and they prospered in their goal.
Mr. Sunny Reddy said, "Supporting our youth is an investment in the future. Their passion and dedication to making a positive change inspire me, and I am thrilled to contribute to their efforts. Together, we can make a meaningful difference."
We had kind donors who came forward to cover the expenses Mr. Sarat Kothapalli, Mrs. Siri Yadalapali, and friends of Oviya.
The youth-led walkathon is more than just a fundraising event; it is a community gathering that brings together individuals from all walks of life to support a common cause. Participants will walk, run, and celebrate the power of collective action, showcasing how every step counts in the journey toward positive change. Without these young team leads it is not possible for us to reach the goal and support as many families as we can.
On July 13, the final walkathon day, with 50+ participants, we kicked it off with a yoga session by Aruna from Art of Living. All participants were able to stretch their muscles before the long walk.
Our wonderful youth team leads are:
Avni Patel, Swara Rege, Abisrishti Ram, Kushi Kanumuri, Oviya Jaisankar, Anvika Perumalla, Hajanthan Muhinthan, Varshan Muhinthan, Abhiram Mudeganti, Sai Sriram Karnati, Advithi Kothapalli, Akshitha Mylavarapu,Rishi Chowdhury, Sreenika Perumalla, Aanya Das, Aarthi Ravikumar, Abhimanyu Kommareddi, Aditi Jethri Kompally, Akshith Ashwanth, Akul Madhamshetty, Ansh Patil, Anuraag Balaji, Arya Cheemalamari, Cordelia Laframboise, Harsh Ahire, Kaustubh Dingari, Sathvik Tirumala Kanduri, Shalini Srinivas, Shivani Nimmagadda, Shreya Shetty, Shruthi Adduri, Shruthika Pallapothu, Sriraam Hebbar, Teja Cheemalamari, Veena Karthik and Yathi shekar debbata.
We had kind donors who came forward to cover the expenses Mr. Sarat Kothapalli, Mrs. Siri Yadalapali, and friends of Oviya.
On top of achieving the goal of getting at least 4 team members, some team leads exceeded that! This year’s winners are:
Individuals With the Most Miles
1st Place – Mr. Suresh
2nd Place – Sai Sriram Karnati
3rd Place – Ms. Vanitha Gopalan
Team With the Most Miles
1st Place - Abisrishti Ram
2nd Place – Sai Sriram Karnati
3rd Place – Swara Rege
Team Leads With the Most Members
1st Place – Avni Patel (18 Members)
2nd Place – Swara Rege (13 Members)
3rd Place – Kushi Kanumuri (12 Members)
Thanks to Mr. Jason Canvasser for visiting us representing Angels of Hope. Jason explained about how Angels of Hope helps families impacted by cancer, it was really inspiring. Our youths were humbled to be part of the great cause.
This year’s Walkathon would also not have been possible without the parents who sponsored the snacks and drinks that kept all the participants' energy up! Thanks to the parents (Ms. Rachana, Mr. Ram, and Mr. Jordan Laframboise) who sponsored water bottles, fruits, snack bars, and cookies. Thanks to Ms. Veena, Ms. Rachana & Mr. Jaisankar for sponsoring decoration items. All the team leads received certificates at the end.
Thanks to 𝐔𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐣𝐢 for website creation and for providing support with website maintenance and updates.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with setup to cleanup!
We are very grateful for a successful Walkathon this year and thank all the contributors.
Our youths use every opportunity to learn something. Michigan is blessed with beautiful 103 state parks and recreation areas. During our virtual walkathon, our youths had a virtual tour of 42 State Parks, they learned and posted details about them every day with their peers. Below is the list of state parks and fun facts about them. Enjoy reading and plan to visit them someday 😊
More pictures and videos are at https://photos.app.goo.gl/znMUSvBconP2qGWY7.
Our wonderful volunteers covered the event from the beginning to the end, please go through the pictures and videos.
State Park List:
State Park | Fun Fact |
Indian Lake State Park, Manistique, MI | It has 4th largest inland lake in upper penninsula |
Fayette Historic State Park, Garden, MI | Fayette was a manufacturing site that produced charcoal and pig iron |
Wells State Park, Stephenson, MI | This park was donated to Michigan by the children of John Wells. |
Bewabic State Park, Crystal Falls, MI | It is situated on Fortune Lake |
Lake Gogebic State Park, Marenisco, MI | It has the largest natural inland lake of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan |
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ontonagon, MI | The Porcupine Mountains, or Porkies, are a group of small mountains. This was the site of copper mining in the 19th century. |
Twin Lakes State Park, Toivola, MI | The twin lakes, Lake Roland and Lake Gerald. Lake Roland is one of the warmest inland lake. |
McLain State Park, Hancock, MI | It has two miles of sand beach |
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, Copper Harbor, MI | The park features a restored 1844 army military outpost, including 19 buildings, with a living history program provided by the Michigan History Center. |
Baraga State Park, Baraga, MI | This park is named after Bishop Frederic Baraga. |
Craig Lake State Park, Champion, MI | It is the most remote in Michigan’s state park system |
Van Riper State Park, Champion, MI | This park is named after Dr. Paul Van Riper, who practiced medicine in the area for most of his 91 years |
Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park, Rock River Township, MI | It is considered the most spectacular of Michigan's falls. |
Palms Book State Park, Manistique, MI | The park is home to Kitch-iti-kipi or the “Big Spring.” |
Muskallonge Lake State Park, Newberry, MI | The park was also the old site of a Coast Guard Life Saving Station. |
Tahquamenon Falls, McMillan Township, MI | This falls is called Niagara Falls of the Upper Peninsula |
Brimley State Park, Brimley, MI | The park is one of the oldest state parks in the Upper Peninsula and was established in 1923 |
Michilimackinac Historical Society, St Ignace, MI | The fort served as a supply depot for traders in the western Great Lakes. |
Straits State Park | It has fantastic views of the Mackinac Bridge and Straits of Mackinac |
Wilderness State Park, Carp Lake, MI | This park is designated dark sky preserve offering stellar views of the sky |
Onaway State Park, Onaway, M | It is on the shore of beautiful Black Lake |
Negwegon State Park, Harrisville, MI | This park is popular with birdwatchers |
Sturgeon State Park, Carp Lake, MI | he protected dunes provide habitat for the endangered Piping Plover and four threatened species of plants (Lake Huron Tansy, Pitcher's Thistle, Pumpell's Bromegrass and Houghton's Goldenrod) |
Harrisville State Park, Harrisville, MI | This is the place to watch large and varied migratory populations of warblers and other song birds |
Tawas Point State Park, East Tawas, MI | It has been referred to as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest." |
Bay City State Park, Bangor Township, MI | This is home to one of the largest remaining freshwater, coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes, the Tobico Marsh |
Sleeper State Park, Caseville, MI | Great location to watch both sunrises and sunsets |
Port Crescent State Park, Port Austin, MI | exceptional stargazing in the park’s dark sky preserve |
Sanilac Petroglyphs Histroical Park, Cass City, MI | This park protects and interprets Michigan’s largest known collection of early Native American teachings carved in stone. The carvings are called Ezhibiigaadek Asin, “written on stone,” in the Anishinaabemowin language |
Lakeport State Park, Lakeport, MI | It has the best beach for rock hunting |
Algonac State Park, Algonac, MI | This park has undeveloped portion encompasses significant "lakeplain" prairie and savannas. |
Belle Isle Park, Detroit, MI | Belle Isle Park is the largest city-owned island park in the United States. |
Maybury State Park, Northville, MI
| In 1919, the land now known as Maybury State Park held a tuberculosis sanitarium. |
Seven Lakes State Park, Holly, MI
| Seven Lakes actually has seven lakes and a couple of ponds |
Meridian-Baseline Historic State Park, Pleasant Lake, MI | There are two monuments (or markers) that are the basis for all land surveys in Michigan and parts of Ohio |
Watkins Lake State Park Parking Area, Brooklyn, MI | The park is recognized for its connection to the Underground Railroad via the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. |
Hayes State Park, Onstead, MI | This is known for its quiet setting, wildlife viewing and 5-mile trail. |
Cambridge Junction Historic State Park, Brooklyn , MI | It has 200 year old farmhouse |
Sterling State Park, Monroe, MI | It has the trail connects to River Raisin National Battlefield Park |
Reflection from a few of our walkathon team leads!
Avni Patel:
My experience in being one of the leaders in the Walkathon was very inspiring. Gathering members into my group to be a part of helping with the Angels of Hope was a very heartwarming feeling. This not only opened my eyes but also the participants' eyes in seeing how reality really is for some people in our community. Knowing that I have put together a team that can help others by helping to pay rent, utility bills, and groceries makes me feel very blessed. The Walkathon will help ensure that these lives will have a quick recovery. I hope hearing this will help inspire and motivate others to help out more for this cause as it helps by keeping people living a happy and healthy life!
Swara Rege:
This is my first time participating in the VT Seva Walkathon as a team leader. I feel truly grateful that I was able to raise funds to help cancer families through VT Seva and Angels of Hope!
I lost my paternal grandmother to this dreadful disease a few years back so I felt a personal connection to this cause. I am also grateful that my maternal grandparents, uncle, and aunt joined my team and participated from India.
Kushi Kanumuri:
I am so grateful that I got this opportunity to help and contribute, to such a great project to support the Angels of Hope Foundation. It was very fun to help set up for the walkathon and also improve my social and public speaking skills with people, knocking on multiple doors while talking to participants to sign them up for the walkathon and raising money. I am very happy that I was part of such a great cause. It was an amazing experience.
Abisrishti Ram:
Being a team lead in this walkathon was a great experience. It was really nice to reach out to people and have them join my team for a good cause. All my team members put in a great amount of work and I’m so grateful for that I can’t wait to do this again next year and fundraise even more money!
Oviya Jaisankar:
The 4th annual youth-led walkathon was such an amazing experience; year after year it just gets better and better. The combination of competition and encouragement continues to make this month-long event something I look forward to every summer. We all have a friendly competition to see who can get the most team members and the most miles, this encourages all of us to strive to not only better the community but also to better ourselves by walking more and getting in more steps. I am so grateful and thankful to the wonderful people who joined my team this year, we truly could not succeed without everyone's support. I'm so glad that I was able to be a part of this event this year and I can't wait to do it again next year and support families impacted by cancer.
Anvika Perumalla:
As with every year, the walkathon is a wonderful opportunity in which VTSEVA encourages a large community to come together under one cause. Although there may not be a cure for cancer, everyone involved in the walkathon plays a large role in making this journey just a little bit easier for those fighting every day. I am very proud to be a contributor to this event every year and I hope to further this impact in the future as well.
Abhiram Mudeganti:
This year I really enjoyed my experience in the VT Seva Walkathon once again. It encouraged me to get more steps in every day and share this opportunity with others giving them a chance to support a great cause. I am very happy that I was able to contribute to the Angels of Hope Foundation and happy that I have shared this opportunity with others.
Sai Sriram Karnati:
Participating in the Walkathon to support Angels of Hope, who assist cancer families, and achieving second place was a truly rewarding experience for me. It was not just about the physical challenge but also about the opportunity to contribute to a cause that is close to my heart. Knowing that my team and my efforts directly supported cancer families and helped raise awareness made the entire journey incredibly meaningful. Coming in second place was a testament to my team's dedication and perseverance throughout the event. Thank you, VT Seva and Angels of Hope for this wonderful opportunity.
Advithi Kothapalli:
The walkathon was a really nice experience benefitting both me and the people in my team. I had the opportunity to reach out to people and raise money, while also promoting a healthy lifestyle. The walkathon was a huge source of motivation to walk every day, and I hope to do it again.
Aditi Jethri Kompally:
I have been a team leader for more than 3 years, and I am glad to say that this walkathon exceeds my expectations every time. Being a team leader has been incredibly rewarding as I can converse with others and inform them about VTSEVA's goal and more. One of the most profound aspects is meeting families that have been impacted by cancer and how much they have persevered through different hardships. Thank you for giving me this wonderful memory.
Akul Madhamshetty:
As a first-time team leader, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. But seeing over 200 walkers come together, united in their support for families fighting cancer, melted those nerves away. It wasn't just about raising funds; it was a vibrant community event, encouraging healthy habits and filling the air with hope. Leading my team and witnessing the positive impact firsthand left me feeling motivated and eager to contribute even more next year!
Anuraag Balaji:
The walkathon was a great experience as I had the opportunity to support a great cause while simultaneously improving my health in a friendly walking competition! Overall I'm glad to be part of such a fundraiser!
Cordelia Laframboise:
My experience with the Walkathon for Cancer was great! It was clear that everything was well-planned and organized. Not as many people as the previous walkathon showed up, but there was still a great amount of people. I definitely think that everyone was well hydrated and there were a lot of snacks because many people volunteered to bring snacks and drinks, which was amazing. I do wish more people from my school and other schools showed up so maybe like in the future we could change the date so it doesn’t interfere with SAT/ACT and everything like that. But other than that, I think it was fantastic and my family had a great time going.:
Arya Cheemalamari:
This is my fourth year participating as a team lead on the annual walkathon, and I have a couple of words to impart. How do we promote the community's health and fight for a great cause? One of the many reasons that I love the walkathon is because of how versatile and effective the project is. The competitive environment incentivizes participants to walk and improve their health, and the money raised financially supports cancer patients who need and deserve it. We support these patients through another amazing non-profit, Angels Of Hope. Walking is an everyday part of life that I thoroughly enjoy, and to be able to add to this with the perk of helping cancer families adds to the experience. I am grateful for the impact I can have through VTSeva and hope to partake in this amazing experience next year.
Teja Cheemalamari:
This is my fourth year participating as a team lead in the annual hybrid walkathon. I believe supporting cancer patients on behalf of Angels of Hope is such a noble cause. Using the walkathon as a channel to provide care has allowed me to better myself while serving the public.
Serving the society has always made me feel like a better version of myself. I believe the competition for fitness is also a great way to promote the health of our generation as a whole. Every step I take feels a step closer to a cancer-free and healthier society. It makes me feel very fulfilled and grateful to know that my actions are directly funneled to support those who need it. I really enjoyed participating in the Walkathon over the years and watching it grow.
Thank you, VT Seva.
Shruthi Adduri:
This year was my first year as a team lead even though I have been a part of the walkathon for a while and it was nice to see another side to it. I am grateful that we impacted so many people by raising money for Angels of Hope. It was fun to walk with my family throughout the month and with my friends at the final event at the park!
Shreya Shetty:
This was my first year participating in the Walkathon. It was truly an empowering experience for me as I got to see how my work recruiting team members helped those impacted by cancer. It is truly a very burdening disease with many horrible impacts and I am grateful to have been part of an effort to reduce that burden.
Shruthika Pallapothu:
This is a wonderful initiative VT Seva took on to fundraise for Angels Of Hope. I feel very fortunate to take part in this, seeing the impact of the walkathon and knowing that the money is provided to families affected by cancer. I hope to join the walkathon again next year too and inspire others just like how it inspired me!
Yathi Shekar Debbata:
I was glad that I could join the walkathon not only I could walk for my health, but I could for a cause.
Shalini Srinivas:
I am delighted I had the opportunity to participate in the partnership between VT Seva and the Walkathon for Angels of Hope. No one can understand the hardship patients and their families have to go through other than themselves. I am glad I was able to help with the struggles that cancer and other illnesses can create. Not only did this event positively affect the patients, but it also helped those who participated in this event to stay more active and fit. Through this event, I was able to find the motivation to exercise, and so did my team members. I’m so grateful to have been part of this wonderful event.
VT Seva Detroit youths are eagerly waiting for 5th Annual Walkathon!!!
Blog Written By: Priya Jaisankar
Blog Published By: Nandini Cheemalamarri
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