Event Details

The Rainbow of Heroes Walk:

WHEN: September 27, 2025
WHERE: Duke Center for Living, 3475 Erwin Rd., Durham, NC 27705

On Saturday, September 27th, we will gather together as the community of the Duke Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy (PTCT) Program. Throughout the morning there will be a variety of fun activities, music, and the opportunity to connect with families, the medical team, and friends as we walk laps around the Duke Center for Living track to recognize each member within our PTCT community. Finally, we will take a special moment to honor and remember all the heroes of Duke PTCT. We will end the event by sharing a meal together.

The Rainbow of Heroes Walk was established in 2001 and is not only the main fundraiser for the Duke PTCT Family Support Program, but also serves as a reunion for patients, families, nurses, therapists, doctors, volunteers, and supporters who have come to know each other through the long transplant process.

What happens at the Walk?

10:00 AM - Event Kick-Off

We’ll begin the morning with activities for kids, music, and a variety of tents to explore—including the auction tent, t-shirt tent, the Wall of Heroes, and more.

Throughout the morning, snacks and treats will be available, including an ice cream truck, popcorn, snow cones, and a variety of other goodies.

12:00 PM - Annual Group Photo

Patients and families are invited to gather on the hill for our cherished annual photo.

12:15 PM - The Walk Begins

We’ll make our way around the Duke Center for Living track to a special playlist of around 15 songs - each one highlighting various members of the Duke PTCT program. As the music plays, we’ll walk, reflect, and celebrate the strength of our community.

A Time to Honor, Remember, and Share a Meal

After we walk, we will gather together for a heartfelt time of presentations and a special moment to honor and remember our PTCT heroes. A delicious BBQ lunch will be served to all attendees at the conclusion of the event.

Wall of Heroes

The Wall honors the incredible strength, courage and unconditional love that thrives in the Duke Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program.

The Wall is for all patients of Duke PTCT to be honored and remembered. We invite you to help us decorate the wall by creating a poster that represents your journey with PTCT. Feel free to share pictures, stories or other mementoes that are meaningful to you to create a collage of memories.

If you are unable to join the Walk, but would like to honor your loved one, you can mail the poster to us and we will display it on your behalf. If you are not able to make a poster, you can send us 2-3 photos via email and we can make a poster for you.