The 3rd Annual Frank Pasquerella Memorial Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run is hosted by the Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation.

Virtual and In-Person

Virtual: Saturday, August 19th or Sunday, August 20th

In-Person: Saturday, August 19th, 1-3 PM, Centennial Lakes, 7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435.

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Donations are welcome! Whether you register or are unable to participate but would still like to make a difference, you can donate to the event. Also, everyone can create an online, custom fundraising page to help make an even bigger impact.  Click on the buttons "Fundraise" or "Donate" on this page to get started!

Ticket Information:

In-person tickets are $20 in advance until Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 1PM CT/ 2PM ET. Tickets are $25 day of the event. Children 12 and under admitted free.

Virtual tickets are $20 in advance until Friday, August 18, 2023, at 11:59 PM CT. Ticket price increases to $25 on Saturday, August 20, 2023, 12:00 AM CT until Sunday, August 20, 2023, 11:59 PM CT. Children 12 and under free.

Sign up here: http://salgifrankp2023.eventbrite.com

About the event:

The 3rd Annual Frank Pasquerella Memorial Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run 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! 

2023: Three grants are awarded for esophageal cancer research.

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™!

#SalgiFrankP

Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #SalgiFrankP and tag us @SalgiFoundation. Social media page/posts must be public for us to see and share posts. Or photos can be emailed directly to us and we will share: salgi foundation -at- gmail -dot- com.

Virtual event information:

Virtual guests of the 3rd Annual Frank Pasquerella Memorial Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run can participate in their neighborhood, on a trail, bike path, track, by the ocean, sea, river or wherever you would like to walk or run. It’s important to remember that by participating in the virtual event you must still take in accordance all social distancing guidelines.

Participants can also bicycle, rollerblade, skateboard, swim, the possibilities are endless! Since the virtual event is not timed, you are able to participate at your own pace, any distance and at any time either Saturday or Sunday.

Thank You, Sponsor!

Avidor Edina/Greystar

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Maria's story:

This fundraiser is in honor of Frank Pasquerella—husband, father, son, brother, friend, teacher, and mentor—who passed away from stage IV esophageal cancer.

Frank’s journey with this illness was typical of many who suffer from this disease. The worrisome signs (hoarseness, heartburn, hiccupping, reflux and difficulty breathing) were misdiagnosed, and it was only after Frank began having difficulty swallowing that an endoscopy was scheduled. A biopsy of the tumor resulted in a diagnosis of esophageal cancer on February 18, 2020, and, like many people, the remaining course of this disease was swift and he passed away on August 7, 2020.

Frank lived his last days with grit and grace, but also with the awareness of a life well lived and a recognition of what he achieved. Frank had an accomplished 28-year career as a high school band director, teaching hundreds of students who fondly referred to him as “Mr. P.” When not at school, Frank pursued his varied interests such as biking, golfing, following NASCAR, Drum Corps, and, most importantly, supporting and fostering his daughters’ Irish dance and musical talents. His passion for teaching and mentoring, famously quick wit and dry sense of humor, keen intellect, and love for his family and friends, will be his lasting legacy.

Through this first annual Frank Pasquerella Memorial Walk/Run, our family would like to spread awareness of esophageal cancer, advocate for those families facing this disease, and raise money to help fund research.

Learn the facts about esophageal cancer:

-Esophageal cancer has increased over 733% in the past four decades and is considered the fastest growing cancer in the US and western world.

-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, run, fundraise, sponsor or donate, your involvement will directly support this life-saving mission. Thank you!

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. salgi.org Mailing address: PO Box 1912, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.