The 7th Annual Billy Bob Trot will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023. Guests may also participate virtually on Saturday, September 2 or Sunday, September 3. The event aims to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research for esophageal cancer.

Share Online! Take photos and videos on the day of the event, use the hashtag #BillyBobTrotSalgi and tag us @SalgiFoundation in your posts!

About the event:

The 7th Annual Billy Bob Trot will benefit The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity working to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and fund research of esophageal cancer...in hopes of a cure.™

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation:

Esophageal Cancer Research:

2015: First esophageal cancer research grant funded for the very first time.

2018: Second esophageal cancer research grant funded.

2022: The Grant Program is opened for the THIRD time! Research funding will be awarded in 2023!

Esophageal Cancer Awareness & Early Detection:

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation has also raised awareness and encouraged early detection both nationally AND internationally since 2011. Your continued support directly impacts and sustains this mission!

In Hopes of a CURE™!

Stacey's Story:

Stacey Wright is the lead coordinator of this event and sadly lost her father to esophageal cancer.

I decided to find a way to help with funding and research. What I learned is that there are not many funding opportunities for esophageal cancer in the St. Louis area. Over the last several years, I have worked with The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, along with St. Louis Parks, to coordinate a walk to support this cause, to raise awareness and to honor the best man I have ever known.

If this event can provide awareness or result in an early detection for at least one person, then this walk will be an absolute, complete success!!!”

Learn the facts about esophageal cancer:

-Esophageal cancer has increased 733% in the past four decades and is considered one of the fastest growing cancer in the US.

-Risk factors include:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, acid reflux, chronic heartburn),
• obesity,
• poor nutrition,
• tobacco use,
• excessive alcohol use,
• Barrett’s esophagus.

-As one of the deadliest cancers, esophageal cancer has an overall 5 year survival rate of only 20.6%.

-There are no routine or standard screenings to improve early detection of esophageal cancer.

-Symptoms often arise late, once the cancer is considered advanced or “distant” (spread to lymph nodes and other organs.)

-Stage IV esophageal cancer has a survival rate of only 5.7%.

-In 2023, an estimated 21,560 will be diagnosed and there will be an estimated 16,120 deaths.

-Despite these facts, esophageal cancer research is extremely underfunded.  

Make a difference!

Join The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation to help make a difference against esophageal cancer. Whether you walk, volunteer, sponsor or donate, your involvement will directly support this life-saving mission. Thank you!