We are honored to present Linda’s Trail of Love, 1st Annual Esophageal Cancer 5K Run/Walk, a virtual event in memory of Linda Klueber who passed away from esophageal cancer in September 2021.
Guests decide if they would like to participate in the virtual event on Saturday, April 30, 2022 or Sunday May 1, 2022.
Everywhere Linda walked, she spread love. Let’s do the same in her memory.
Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 day of the virtual event. Sign up today! Click here.
T-Shirts are also available (see below)
Linda’s Trail of Love, 1st Annual Esophageal Cancer 5K Run/Walk, can take place in a neighborhood, on a trail, bike path, track, by the ocean, river, or wherever guests would like to walk or run. It’s important to remember that by participating in the virtual event guests must still comply with all local social distancing guidelines.
Guests can also bicycle, rollerblade, skateboard, swim, the possibilities are endless! Since the virtual event is not timed, guests are able to participate at their own pace, at any time on Saturday or Sunday. Guests may sign up as an individual or as a virtual team.
T-Shirts for Linda’s Trail of Love 5K
T-shirts for Linda’s Trail of Love, 1st Annual Esophageal Cancer 5K Run/Walk, are $30 and available in both adult and youth sizes. A percentage of t-shirt sales go directly towards The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation. T-shirts are available until Sunday, April 3, 2022. Please note that purchasing a t-shirt does not include an event ticket. Click here to get your t-shirt!
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 virtual event:
Linda’s Trail of Love, 1st 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.™
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 . You can also email them to salgifoundation@gmail.com to be posted!
The virtual event is in loving memory of Ms. Linda Klueber
This first 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 first 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,1st 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 and Michael Klueber, and a grandmother-to-be to baby Ablett. She had over 25 nieces and nephews 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 19.9%.
-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 4.9%.
-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!
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation 