On October 11, 2025, more than 4300 participants gathered at UC Irvine’s Aldrich Park for the annual UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge, a community event supporting cancer research at the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. The event featured a 5K run/walk and multiple cycling distances, drawing 300+ teams from across Southern California.

Among them was Team Built Hailey Tough, created in honor of Hailey Whittaker, YLHS men’s water polo assistant coach and former swimmer who is battling stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The team consisted of 56 participants from Hailey’s family: the EAST and YLHS aquatics program, friends, co-workers, and community supporters. All members of the team participated in the 5K event. 

The Anti-Cancer Challenge donates 100 percent of all funds raised to early-stage cancer research at UCI. Since its launch in 2017, participants have collectively raised more than $6 million to fund pilot projects and innovative treatment studies. This year’s event continued that momentum, with teams and individuals combining efforts to raise over $1 million in donations. So far, Team Built Hailey Tough has raised over $6600, with additional contributions expected as fundraising continues. 

Hailey Whittaker (S) shares, “It was awesome to see everyone come out and support me. I have said from the beginning that I have an amazing support system, and this just further highlighted it.” After participating in the 5k event, Hailey added, “It was so fun! Walking has become my outlet to clear my mind and headspace throughout all of this, so it was awesome to get to do that alongside so many people who support me.” 

Another participant, Daniel Parahnevich (S), Hailey’s co-worker and the YLHS swim coach, reflected on the experience, saying it was “really cool how so many people showed up—not just for our Hailey Built Tough group, but in general.”

He noted that seeing so many people representing and supporting Hailey had “a direct impact on one of our coaches and friends.” For him, the event was both fun and purposeful, as “everyone got to hang out and just chat while taking a stroll on a really beautiful campus,” all while helping raise money that “will go directly into funding research and helping people fight cancer.”

The event opened early Saturday morning with group warm-ups and start-line ceremonies. The Opening Ceremony was live streamed by the Anti-Cancer Challenge on YouTube at 8:45 a.m. PST, featuring remarks from Dr. Richard Van Etten, director of the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Chip Yost, KTLA’s Orange County Bureau Chief.

Participants then walked, ran, or biked routes through the UCI campus and surrounding areas before gathering for a wellness festival featuring music, food, and award presentations. Built Hailey Tough was one of the largest teams, with 56 participants, reflecting the widespread support for Hailey Whittaker and her impact on athletes, friends, and family. “I was surprised by how many people came together for me. I know that people love and care about me, but to see everyone giving up their Saturday to calmly walk with me was amazing,” Hailey expresses.

The 2025 UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge marked another year of record turnout and growing community involvement. Organizers emphasized the importance of continued research funding and local engagement in the fight against cancer.

For Team Built Hailey Tough, the day serves as both a fundraiser and a statement of unity. Their participation highlighted how one person’s resilience can inspire collective action toward a shared cause.

“While the event may be over, our mission continues.” The UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge official website sends out a message: “Fundraising remains open until Friday, Oct. 31…There’s still time to make an impact! Together, we are leading the charge against cancer.”