The 27th annual Mary’s Walk for cancer will take place on April 13 in downtown Saco.

Honoring the late Mary Kerry Libby, a much loved member of the Biddeford-Saco community who passed away from cancer in 1997, Mary’s Walk has grown into one of the biggest walks raising money for cancer in the state.

Each year, over 1,000 participants take part in the 2-mile walk to honor family members and loved ones.

“It’s incredible,” Maine Cancer Fund Director Ray Ruby said. “You’ll never find another walk around the state that has had such an impact.”

It’s not just about the money, Ruby told the Courier, though the amount raised in the last 26 years is “shocking.” Since the first Mary’s Walk in 1999, the event has raised over $4.4 million to help prevent and fight cancer. This year’s goal is $200,000.

“It’s the ultimate community event,” Ruby said. “You’ll see folks pushing strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs.”

Personal stories drive participants, Ruby said. Each year, he hears from family members of cancer patients and survivors of cancer themselves who say they will continue to walk.

“Cancer is one of those unfortunate things where it’s too relatable to all of us,” Ruby said. “But it doesn’t mean that hope goes away.”

This year, Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail plans to walk.

As a cancer survivor herself, MacPhail said the importance of Mary’s Walk “can not be overstated.”

“The money raised over years in Mary’s name have made innumerable impacts on the lives of so many survivors in Saco and beyond,” MacPhail told the Courier. “I am honored to be a small part of this effort.”

One of the unique parts of Mary’s Walk is that the money raised stays within the state. Every dollar raised is used to prevent cancer before it starts and to make sure the best care possible is available to Mainers, no matter where they live in the state.

The Mary’s Walk community raises funds that stretch all across the state, Ruby said.

“In order to have the biggest impact possible, the money stays right here,” he said.

In a testament to its importance, Mary’s Walk was also one of the first events to transfer to a digital event when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

The state was ordered to shut down only a few days before Mary’s Walk was set to take place in 2020, Ruby said.

Instead of cancelling the event, walkers showed up virtually, and raised just as much money and hope as they would have in person.

“It’s seen it all and it’s still standing strong,” Ruby said. “It’s a testament to the community and how important this event is.”

Mary’s Walk will begin at noon at Thornton Academy in Saco on April 13, opening ceremonies start at 11:30 a.m. For more information and to donate and/or register, go to the organization’s website at maryswalk.org. Online registration ends April 9 at 5 p.m. but people can also register the day of the event.