Tunnell Cancer Center, Hudson Fields to host Miracle Mile June 27

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic will not stop Beebe Healthcare and the Robert & Eolyne Tunnell Cancer Center from celebrating cancer survivors and their caregivers.

A safe and socially distanced version of this year’s 17th Annual Miracle Mile will take place from 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, June 27, at Hudson Fields as a drive-through celebratory event.

Survivors, caregivers, family, friends and community members are encouraged to participate in creating and sharing messages of hope. Participants are encouraged to make signs, decorate their cars and have fun.

“This event and this day are all about hope,” said Dr. David A. Tam, Beebe Healthcare president and CEO. “Hope for our community of cancer patients and survivors, hope for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and hope for the future as Beebe strives to provide the most advanced and compassionate care at the Tunnell Cancer Center and the South Coastal cancer center when it opens this summer.”

A “Drive the Miracle Mile” live morning talk show will stream via Facebook Live. A full program will include interviews with experts, survivors, and caregivers, as well as music from local act the Sticky Notes Band.

Tam will kick off the festivities at 8 a.m. At the end of the route, curbside delivery of coffee and donuts will be offered.

The event celebrates the special connection between cancer survivors and their caregivers, and provides an opportunity for the community to support the Tunnell Cancer Center’s Patient Special Needs Fund through fundraising and donations.

The fund assists individual patients who have limited financial resources and need help in covering emergent expenses such as prescriptions or copays for medications, medical supplies such as wigs and mastectomy prostheses, nutrition, essential living expenses and transportation. Without the availability of this fund, patients would not have access to their basic needs while undergoing cancer treatments.

“With so many of our fundraising events canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tunnell Cancer Center Special Needs Fund needs your assistance,” said Tom Protack, Beebe Medical Foundation president. “Join us for this inspiring event in a fun, safe, and socially distanced atmosphere.”

To encourage community participation in offering messages of hope, yard signs with the phrase “I am hopeful because” will be available to decorate. Signs will be available for curbside pickup from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Tunnell Cancer Center, 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Suite 1100, Rehoboth Beach. Those needing alternative coordination to pick up signs can contact Amanda Aris directly at 302-291-6701 or aaris@beebehealthcare.org. Signs must be returned to Tunnell Cancer Center by Wednesday, June 24, for event setup. All individuals are invited to participate.

At the time of registration, survivors should provide T-shirt size and permission for their name to be honored at the event.

The Eventbrite page will contain information on driving directions, “Drive the Miracle Mile” morning show details, additional T-shirt purchases, raffle ticket sales and other donation opportunities through Beebe Medical Foundation. A full 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Tunnell Cancer Center Patient Special Needs Fund.

All participants will enter through the north gate of Hudson Fields, located off Hudson Road, and exit through the south gate off Eagle Crest Road. Parking is available at the end of the driving route to enjoy coffee and donuts, buy raffle tickets or pick up ordered T-shirts.

For more information or to register, go to www.miraclemile2020.eventbrite.com.