FAQs
What is the Hope & Heroes Walk?
Now in it’s sixth year, the Hope & Heroes Walk has become the best way for the community of people engaged with Hope & Heroes - patients, families, doctors, nurses, board members, donors, volunteers, etc. - to join together to build awareness and raise funds. The efforts of those who participate in the walk go a long way toward providing hope for the families forced to face the daily challenges caused by pediatric cancer and blood disorders. All who have attended agree that it is a inspirational day of caring & fun!
When Is The Hope & Heroes Walk?
Sunday, May 17th. Check-in (and day-of registration) will start at 9:00 AM and the Walk will begin at 10:15 AM. Plan to stay afterwards for family fun!
Where Is The Hope & Heroes Walk & How Do I Get There?
Pier 84, NYC. The entrance is at 44th Street and the West Side Highway. Our event will be right next to Pier 83, where the Circle Line docks. Comprehensive information about directions and parking can be found here.
How long is the route?
The Hope & Heroes Walk is a non-competitive event that will follow a route of approximately one mile. We will walk south from 44th Street for about a half mile before turning around and walking back to Pier 84. The path is fully wheelchair accessible and we will NOT have to cross the West Side Highway. Marshals will direct participants and provide assistance along the route.
How is the money used from the Walk? With monies raised from the Hope & Heroes Walk, Hope & Heroes will continue supporting the patients, programs and research at the Division of Pediatric Hematology, Onocolgy & Stem Cell Transplantation, Columbia University Medical Center
How do I register?
Registration is FREE. Click here to register now and you will be guided through the registration process. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email receipt. If you don't wish to register online call 1-855-HNH-WALK (855-464-9255) and we will be happy to take your registration over the phone or send you a registration form.
How much does it cost to participate?
There is no minimum or maximum to participate, but we are asking every registered walker to CHALLENGE themselves by asking 10 friends for $20 and raising at least $200 each!
Does $200 sound like it will be difficult to raise? We promise it will not be. Are there Hope & Heroes Walk tools that you offer to help?
Yes! Check out our Fundraising Tips and Tools You Can Use pages for more information.
What happens after I register for the Walk?
Immediately following your registration for the Hope & Heroes Walk, you will get access to your Participant Center, including a Personal Fundraising Page that you can customize and powerful email tools that will help you maximze your participation in the event. Please see the Personal Page tutorial for detailed information or contact us at Info@Hopeand HeroesWalk.org or 1-855-HNH-WALK (855-464-9255).
My Participant Center isn't working - any suggestions?
Be aware that TeamRaiser pages do not function well on Safari or Chrome browsers. Please try again using Internet Explorer or Firefox. As always, contact us for further assistance.
What is a Walk Team?
Forming teams is a great way to build morale and camaraderie among co-workers, family members and friends. Teams are led by a team captain and are made up of five or more members including the Captain. However, there is no limit to the number of team members you can have and the larger the team, the greater the awareness and funds for Hope & Heroes!
Is it hard being a team captain?
Serving as a Team Captain does require a little extra effort, but the Hope & Heroes Walk Office is ready and able to support you. Also, you will find it extremely rewarding to recruit, motivate and organize your friends, family and co-workers for a day of hope and fun. See the Tools You Can Use page or our exclusive Team Captain’s Guide.
How do I register as a Team?
Simply choose a team name, set a goal and register as a team captain. See our Team Up page for more information.
Are pets, bicycles and in line skates allowed?
Bicycles and in line skates are not allowed.
Our partners at the Hudson River Park Trust have asked us to let you know that while leashed dogs are allowed on the paths, you will need to keep them off the grass.
Please keep in mind that not everyone is comfortable with pets, many people are allergic, and many animals react differently in large crowds than they do at home. Also, please be prepared to leave beautiful Pier 84 as sparkling as it was before the Walk.
I’m walking and my family will join me. Should they register for the Hope & Heroes Walk?
Yes. All walkers, regardless of age, must register to participate in the Hope & Heroes Walk. This is for your safety and so that each participant qualifies for fundraising incentives, such as raising $100 to receive a t-shirt.
Can my child participate in the Walk?
The Walk is for all ages and with a little help from an adult, children have the potential to be great fundraisers. Who can say no to a child who is raising money to help other children?
Can I register for the Hope & Heroes Walk the day of the event?
Yes. While we encourage you to pre-register for the Hope & Heroes Walk, we do offer registration on the day of the walk. When you arrive at the Walk site, proceed to New Registration. Also keep in mind, by registering prior to the Walk, you will have more time to maximize your fundraising!
What if it rains?
The Hope & Heroes Walk takes place rain or shine! Unless there are extreme weather conditions, the event will take place. If rain is in the forecast, please dress accordingly and fun will still be had by all.
What if I cannot make it on the day of the Hope & Heroes Walk? Can I still participate?
Absolutely! You can register for the Walk as a Virtual Walker by clicking here. You’ll have access to all the online fundraising tools and will be eligible for incentive prizes, just as if you actually attended the Hope & Heroes Walk.
How can my company match my funds?
Every company has its own unique requirements so check with your Human Resources Department and ask for a matching gift form. Make sure you include your name and team name, if applicable, so we can apply the match correctly. The completed form can be mailed to Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund, 161 Fort Washington Ave., IP-7, NY, NY 10032 or emailed to Info@HopeandHeroesWalk.org.
Will the matching gift display on my personal page?
Yes! As soon as Hope & Heroes receives the matching funds from your company, we will post it to the website for viewing.
How do I turn in donations?
Funds raised online are automatically directed to Hope & Heroes. For funds raised offline, you may bring them with you to the Walk site or mail them directly to Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund, 161 Fort Washington Ave., IP-7, NY, NY 10032. Remember to include the name of the walker (and team) in the memo portion of the check.
Who do I make checks payable to?
Please make checks payable to Hope & Heroes. Make sure that your team name and walker name is located in the memo of the check so that the money gets attributed to the right person.
How long does it take for checks to show up on my account?
It depends how many checks are coming in the office and how close it is to the event. Checks that are mailed prior to the event can take a week or so to show up on your account. Any donations that you hand in the day of the event can take a few weeks to show up on your account. You will also have the option of entering offline gifts onto your Personal Fundraising Page yourself, using the Participant Center. Feel free to ask us for help. However, to avoid the wait and extra steps, you can always encourage your donors to sponsor you online. Online donations are safe and easy.
Are donations tax deductible and how do I get a receipt?
Yes. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Your cleared check or credit card transaction serves as a receipt. For your records, our Tax ID # is 74-3066193.
What do I need to bring with me to the Hope & Heroes Walk?
After you register, you will be receiving follow up emails up until the Walk Including more on how to maximize your fundraising and prepare for your Hope & Heroes Walk participation.
What do I get on the day of Hope & Heroes Walk?
When you turn in $100 on or before Walk day, you will receive an official Hope & Heroes Walk t-shirt. To receive an official t-shirt after the Hope & Heroes Walk, you must raise $150 and turn in the prize form by the prize deadline, which will be a month after the event
How do I obtain my incentives?
You must first submit an Incentive Form (available online after the Hope & Heroes Walk). Once your form is processed, you will receive your incentive in about 6-8 weeks.
If I'm on a team, do I have separate check-in?
Possibly. There will be a special Check-In area for top fundraising teams. If your team does not qualify for the Top Team Check-In Area, all team members must check-in individually, and then proceed to the Team Meeting Area to meet their teammates.
How does Team Fundraising work?
Although you can donate to a specific team, by donating to a walker you are supporting the team the walker is on and, of course, the event as a whole. Fundraising prizes and incentives are based on individual and team fundraising success. Teams can fundraise together and distribute the donations among team members if they would like.
What if I can’t finish the Walk?
No problem! All walkers will be allowed to walk as little or as much of the route as they can.
What do I wear to the Hope & Heroes Walk?
Dress in layers in case it is chilly in the morning. In addition, wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note: there is no baggage check at the Hope & Heroes Walk.
What food is available at the Hope & Heroes Walk?
Light snacks and water will be available at the start line, rest stops on the route and the finish line. There will be additional food during the "family fun" portion of the day, after the Walk. If you have special dietary restrictions or needs, please bring your own food and/or beverages.
If you still can’t find the answer to your question after reviewing the above information, please feel free to contact us at Info@HopeandHeroesWalk.org or 1-855-HnHWalk (1-855-464-9255).
Details You Need To Know On The Day Of The Walk
When: Sunday, May 17th
Check-In Starts: 9:00 AM - Rain or Shine!
Walk Start Time: 10:15 AM
Where: Pier 84, NYC, on the Hudson River near West 44th Street
PARKING AND TRANSIT DETAILS - to come.
Check-In: All Walkers MUST check-in. To expedite check in, print out your Personal Page from the website and bring it with you OR be prepared to show it from your smartphone.
Once you arrive at Participant Check-In, please follow the sign that says “Have Personal Page.” This will help you move quickly through the Check-In process. If you know people who want to walk that have not registered yet, let them know if they register before the walk they will move through the Check-In line more quickly. Online registration will close the day before the event but registration will be available onsite starting at 9:00 AM.
REMEMBER: In order to receive a Hope & Heroes Walk T-Shirt, you MUST have raised $100 or more by the day of the Walk. Money handed in on the day of the Walk will count towards your $100. In order to receive a t-shirt after the Walk, you must raise at least $150.
Route: Participants will walk a 1 Mile route that starts and ends at the same location. There will be arrows and volunteers guiding you along the route. 
Donations: Envelopes will be provided for any donations you bring with you. Credit card, cash or check donations can be made on the day of the Walk. Reminder: Please put the name of the Walker in the “memo” portion of the checks. All checks should be made out to: Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund.
What to Bring: Dress appropriate for the weather. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket if it is cool in the morning. Make sure you pay attention to the forecast and plan accordingly - The Walk is RAIN OR SHINE!
Walker Checklist:
- We will have water and snacks however; if you have any special dietary requirements, please remember to pack accordingly!
- Watch the weather forecast! The Walk happens rain or shine so keep your eye on the forecast and dress appropriately, including sneakers.
- Don’t forget to ask about matching gifts programs with your employer! All money donated through your company’s matching gift program counts toward your total and the fundraising incentives.
- Bring any cash or checks that you have collected so far. All of this, including credit card payments, will be collected at the Walk.
Fun Facts about the Day:
- We will once again be featuring a “Wall of Hope” that will enable all participants to share a memory or words of encouragement for their loved one. Make sure to stop by the Mission Area to leave your note and read other inspirational and touching messages.
- Get Swabbed! You will be able to register as a bone marrow donor with Delete Blood Cancer (America’s largest registry). Registering does not mean you are required to donate, but does give the opportunity to help save a life.
- Participate in Columbia research! Girls and women ages 12-24 will have an opportunity to be a part of a research project - and earn a $25 gift card.
- The Kids Zone will be full of face painters and other fun stuff! Open after the walk as well!
- Back by popular demand - Warm up with Zumba, as we lead everyone in a workout that will get your blood pumping!
- Sweet snacks will be provided to all teams as well as some special treats for our Top Teams.
- Smile for the camera! Photographers will be on site for team photos and to capture the day.
- Bring your smartphone and plan to post, tweet, pin and share video as the event happens!
Plan to stick around post-Walk for the Family Fun! We have a lot of exciting things planned!
- Kick up some fun with our friends from MLS W.O.R.K.S
- Munch on hot dogs, popcorn, sweet treats and more!
- Strike a pose at our photo booth!
- Grab a team photo at the Team Photo Area!
Plus, you won’t want to miss our Post Walk Awards:
- Best Team Attire: Team T-shirts, hats, feather boas wacky wigs and more put you in the running!
- Team Spirit: Craft a team cheer, carry awesome team signs, sign a team song…get creative and show your team spirit and you could win!
- The Rookie Award: Awarded to one of our new teams who best embodies all we want the Hope & Heroes Walk to be, first year out of the chute!
If at any time you have a question regarding the Walk, fundraising or just want to chat, please don't hesitate to email us or call 1-855-HNH-WALK (1-855-464-9255).
You are making a world of difference for children and families facing pediatric cancer. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. We’ll see you Sunday at the Walk!