Leesylvania State Park to host benefit hike for breast cancer Aug. 11

Leesylvania State Park off US 1 in Woodbridge will host the annual Hike for the Cause charity event, from 9 to 11 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 11 to benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation, according to a news release from Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation. The hike covers four miles of multi-surface terrain, through the park’s historical, wooded trails bordering the Potomac River.

Hikers can register by calling 703-583-6904 or visiting http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=121459 On-si.te registration begins at 7 a.m. The day also includes activities for children, prizes, refreshments and the rock band Soul Gravity in concert. The concert begins at 5 p.m. and is sponsored by Steve’s Auto Repair and the Friends of Leesylvania. Concert admission is free for participants, but a $5 parking fee will apply to non-participants.

According to the news release, Leesylvania’s Hike for the Cause debuted in August 2011 and raised enough money to pay for mammograms for 16 at-risk women. “One hundred percent of the money raised is for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The money goes to funding and providing breast health education and screenings for medically underserved women,” said chief ranger and event coordinator Sarah Percival. For Percival, the event is also a celebration of cancer survivor and dedicated park volunteer, Cindy Buck-Thompson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010.

Leesylvania hosts a variety of benefit events throughout the year, but Hike for the Cause has become a signature event because it means so much to so many at the park.

“Many of our staff and volunteers have been affected directly or indirectly by breast cancer, and this event is a tribute to the survivors, as well as to the courage of those who have faced or lost their lives to this disease,” Park Manager Karen Lambey was quoted as saying in the news release. “Hike for the Cause is our way of showing support.”

The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make a reservation for one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit http://www.virginiastateparks.gov