In April 2024, a North Carolina man, alongside his canine companion, began a journey from Charlotte to New Bern, on foot. Russell Shand, former IT Executive for Bank of America, and Bonnie, three-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever, began the “Hike for Hope” to raise funds to support cancer patients in memory of a family member recently lost to the disease.

The mission of “Hike for Hope” is to turn heartbreak into hope and inspire others to donate to support local cancer patients and their caregivers. The pain of losing a loved one has given Russell the determination to make a difference and every step of the journey honored their memory.

Throughout their travels, Russell and Bonnie have been living off the land and camping where possible. All of the funds raised during “Hike for Hope” will be donated to the CarolinaEast Foundation’s Journey of Hope Fund. Journey of Hope is a nonprofit, volunteer organization in partnership with the SECU Comprehensive Cancer Center and CarolinaEast Foundation that is dedicated to providing support and resources to cancer patients and their caregivers. Journey of Hope offers services such as one-on-one peer support groups, a survivorship program, and exercise classes. Journey of Hope also provides chemotherapy care packages to those dealing with the physical and financial burdens of chemotherapy. Click here to make a donation to “Hike for Hope”.

“The Foundation is honored to be a part of Russell’s journey and that he chose us as a way to give back and honor his family member’s memory,” said Jared Brinkley, Executive Director of the CarolinaEast Foundation. The CarolinaEast Foundation is a non-profit organization with the mission to promote health in our region, support the healthcare community, and assist individuals with healthcare needs. To learn more about the mission of the CarolinaEast Foundation and to donate to one of the campaigns, visit www.carolinaeastfoundation.com.

Russell and Bonnie ended their “Hike for Hope” today, May 20, at the SECU Comprehensive Cancer Center at CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern. After almost 300 miles, they were greeted by a cheering crowd. To read about their journey, visit their Instagram page: @bonnie.and.her.ball.