Linda’s Trail of Love, 2nd Annual Esophageal Cancer 5K Run/Walk, is hosted by The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation. An in-person gathering will take place on Saturday, May 20 at Columbia Trail in Califon, NJ. Guests can also participate virtually in the event on either Saturday, May 20 or Sunday, May 21, 2023. The event is in loving memory of Linda Klueber.

Everywhere Linda walked, she spread love. Let’s do the same in her memory.

Whether you register for the in-person or virtual event or are unable to participate but would still like to make a difference, you can create a custom fundraising page.  You can also donate to an existing campaign.

Sponsorship opportunities available

There are several sponsorship opportunities available. Make a difference and support this mission through a sponsorship! If you would like to become an official event sponsor, click here.

About the event:

Linda’s Trail of Love, 2nd Annual Esophageal Cancer 5K Run/Walk, 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™!

#SalgiWalkforLinda

Whether you are participating in-person or virtually, please remember to take pictures during your walk or run! When posting your photos on social media, use the hashtag #SalgiWalkforLinda and tag us @SalgiFoundation. Social media pages/profiles must be public for us to view and share. You can also email them to salgifoundation @ gmail . com to be posted!

Thank you, Gold Sponsor!

Greystone Financial Group, LLC

Follow Greystone Financial Group, LLC on social media!

• Facebook.com/GreystoneFinancialGroupLLC
• Instagram.com/greystonefinancialgroupllc
• Linkedin.com/company/greystone-financial-group-llc
• Twitter.com/GreyStone_LLC

The event is in loving memory of Ms. Linda Klueber.

This annual fundraiser is in honor of Linda Klueber – Mother, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, nurse, volunteer, and hero – who passed away from esophageal cancer on September 30, 2021.

Through this annual event, Linda's family hopes to spread awareness of esophageal cancer, advocate for families facing this disease, and raise money to help fund research. Esophageal cancer is currently underfunded, Linda's family hopes that more targeted treatments and immunotherapies will be developed with the help of contributions through Linda's Trail of Love, Annual Esophageal Cancer 5K Run/Walk.

Linda’s journey with esophageal cancer was typical of the many others who suffer from this disease. The worrisome signs of heartburn and reflux were dismissed, and an endoscopy was only scheduled after Linda began having difficulty swallowing. In August 2019, Linda was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal adenocarcinoma. Her two-year journey was challenging, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though targeted treatments for her specific condition were not available, Linda did not give up hope and tried every treatment available. Linda passed peacefully in September 2021 but is still ever-present in all our lives.

Linda was the oldest of 7 Guarino siblings, mother to Katie Ablett (husband Eric) and Michael Klueber, and a grandmother to Valerie Catherine Ablett. She had over 25 nieces and nephews, a sister-in-law and several brothers-in-law, and hundreds of friends. Linda's extended family includes many Guarino aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she loved dearly.

Linda was a born leader and cared deeply for everyone. She led like a friend, without being bossy, stubborn, or partial. Linda was a wise peacemaker and the best listener. She was also a silent warrior and made it through tumultuous times with a smile and her loving nature. She had a great sense of humor that could always turn situations from bad to hilarious. Linda was a dedicated volunteer with the Somerset County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), and the Canal Walk Health and Safety Awareness Team. Linda's love, laughter, and caring nature will be her lasting legacy.

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 a 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 all 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, volunteer, sponsor or donate, your involvement will directly support this life-saving mission. Thank you!

*For more information, please visit our event page: Linda’s Trail of Love, 2nd Annual Esophageal Cancer 5K Run/Walk

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.