Annual Hike Honors Sister's Legacy, Supports Valley Cancer Patients

Phoenix Cancer Support Network marks 10 years of serving cancer patients and families in Arizona.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Phoenix Cancer Support Network held its annual Annie's Hike for Hope, a community event that honors the legacy of Jenny Martin's sister Annie Weber, who passed away from Ewing Sarcoma at age 24. The hike, held at Browns Ranch Trailhead in Scottsdale, Arizona, brought together cancer survivors, caregivers, and neighbors to support the nonprofit's mission of providing meals, transportation, care coordination, childcare assistance, and emotional support to anyone navigating a cancer diagnosis across the Phoenix metro area.

Why it matters

The Phoenix Cancer Support Network was founded 10 years ago in memory of Annie Weber, who inspired her sister Jenny Martin to create an organization that would support cancer patients and their families throughout their journeys. The annual hike celebrates the nonprofit's growth over the past decade, during which it has served thousands of individuals facing cancer diagnoses in the community.

The details

The hike featured participants of all ages who came together to honor Annie's memory and support the Phoenix Cancer Support Network's work. Among the hikers was Hilary Hellman, a healthcare worker who was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer just last year. Hellman emphasized the importance of having a support system, saying "You cannot do this on your own." Since its founding, the nonprofit has provided a range of services to help ease the burden on cancer patients and their families, from meals and transportation to childcare assistance and emotional support.

  • The Phoenix Cancer Support Network was founded 10 years ago in 2026.
  • The annual Annie's Hike for Hope took place on a sunny day in February 2026.

The players

Jenny Martin

The founder of the Phoenix Cancer Support Network, who started the organization in honor of her sister Annie Weber, who passed away from Ewing Sarcoma at age 24.

Annie Weber

Jenny Martin's sister, who was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, at age 21 and passed away at 24. She inspired the creation of the Phoenix Cancer Support Network.

Hilary Hellman

A healthcare worker who was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer just last year and found the support provided by the Phoenix Cancer Support Network to be transformative during her cancer journey.

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What they’re saying

“I started Phoenix Cancer Support Network in honor of my sister Annie. She taught me that it's not just about what the patient is going through, but it's also about what the family is going through—and being there for the family, and the caregivers is just as important and impactful to the journey becoming successful.”

— Jenny Martin, Founder, Phoenix Cancer Support Network

“I've been in healthcare forever. I would have been a mess had I not had the support, and for me, I had to learn to use the support—I was used to being the support. My message for everyone: find your advocate, find your team, and find your village.”

— Hilary Hellman, Cancer Survivor

What’s next

The Phoenix Cancer Support Network plans to continue expanding its services and reach to support more cancer patients and families in the Phoenix metro area.

The takeaway

The annual Annie's Hike for Hope demonstrates the lasting impact of one woman's legacy and the power of community support for those facing cancer diagnoses. The Phoenix Cancer Support Network's decade of service has shown that no one has to walk through a cancer journey alone.