CSP‑Corcoran staff, incarcerated walk to fight cancer

May 20, 2026

California State Prison (CSP) Corcoran hosted the third annual Cancer Walk with staff and the incarcerated raising a record-breaking $12,900 for Valley Children’s Hospital.

Walks were held over three days from April 21-23. Overall, the fundraising event turned out to be the best it’s ever had at CSP-Corcoran.

Warden E. Silva attended all three walks as he has every year since it began.

“Supporting Valley Children’s Hospital reminds us that our responsibility goes beyond these walls,” Silva said. “Events like this cancer walk give our staff and incarcerated individuals a chance to come together for something bigger, helping children and families who are facing unimaginable challenges.”

The event was well attended by staff and incarcerated participants.

Some notable participants included Chief Deputy Warden A. Guillen, Associate Wardens A. Johnson, A. Randolph, J. Mendez, R. Ruiz and F. Chappel along with Facility Captains D. Espinoza, D. Madsen, and F. Flores.

Walking laps to fight cancer

Hundreds of individuals walked four laps as a symbol of everyone’s fight for childhood cancer. The event was spread out over three days with each facility hosting the event that included a presentation of the flag and singing the National Anthem, as well as inspirational speeches from the captains of each Facility and the incarcerated population.

Incarcerated color guard presents colors to open the Cancer Walk at CSP-Corcoran.

Representing the incarcerated population, E. Estrada spoke to the attendees with a powerful message.

“Whether you believe in God or not, you find yourself in prayer, hoping for a better outcome, hoping for healing. And it is that same power of the human spirit that inspires this Cancer Walk, because the fight to end cancer marches forward and the belief we will find a cure within this generation is within reach,” Estrada said.

Estrada created the original proposal for the Cancer Walk and it was his vision that has helped CSP-Corcoran raise over $34,000 over three years. He was inspired to create the walk to honor a childhood friend he lost to cancer.

“So today let us not only walk for those we have lost, but for all those who have survived,” he said. “(We also walk) for all those who are still fighting the fight and for the kids at Valley Children’s Hospital.”

Staff at a Cancer Walk resource booth at CSP-Corcoran.

This year’s event included resource tables provided by Principal B. Xiong and the Education Department, Counselor J. Zamora and the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP), M. Robicheaux and the Community Resources Manager’s Office, Chief Support Executive E. Gonzales and medical staff, Dr. L. Lockhart and the Mental Health Department and various correctional counselors.

Resources offered

Staff provided a variety of resources including materials on cancer screenings, education options, DRP programming options, mental health resources, self-help and other programming options. The expansion of valuable resources proved to be popular among those who attended.

Events such as the Cancer Walk align with the CDCR Mission: “To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.”

Story by H. Wippel, Recreational Coach
Submitted by Lt. J. McIntyre

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