Penn Highlands Healthcare Announces The 2026 Lois Orange Ducoeur Walk Of Hope
New this year, the community walk broadens its mission to honor and support patients fighting all forms of cancer, keeping world-class treatment close to home.
Penn Highlands Healthcare is proud to host the Lois Orange Ducoeur Walk of Hope on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Palmer Park (Pavilion #1) in Donora, PA. Registration and check-in will begin at 9:00 AM, with the official walk kicking off at 10:00 AM.
Every dollar raised from the event goes directly to Penn Highlands Mon Valley, ensuring that local families, friends and neighbors have access to world-class cancer care and comprehensive support services in their community.
While the walk has historically focused on breast cancer awareness, this year’s event has expanded its mission to recognize, honor and support the fight against all types of cancer. To reflect this new focus, organizers are encouraging all participants to personalize their walk-day attire and wear either the specific color of the cancer awareness they are walking in support of or lavender, which universally represents the fight against all cancers.
Beyond the walk, the event promises a fantastic day out for the whole family, featuring music, food and drinks, a 50/50 drawing, gift basket raffles and information and resources on local cancer support networks.
The Walk of Hope commemorates the legacy of Lois Orange Ducoeur, a remarkable Mon Valley figure born in Charleroi in 1911. Alongside her husband, Fernand “Duke” Ducoeur, Lois co-managed their family business, Orange’s Gift Department Store. During World War II, she ran the store and raised their children while her husband served in the U.S. Merchant Marines. In 1955, Lois was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought the disease with bravery and grace for a decade before passing away in 1965. Today, her enduring legacy inspires a new generation of hope, bringing our communities together to fund critical cancer care and local support services.
How to Get Involved
Whether you want to lace up your walking shoes, volunteer, become a sponsor or donate a raffle basket, your support matters.
To register, sponsor or donate online, please visit donate.phhealthcare.org/events/walk.
For more information, contact the Penn Highlands Healthcare Fund Development team at 814-375-3901 or email [email protected].