The 2nd Annual Virtual Frank Pasquerella Memorial Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run took place on on Saturday, August 6 until Sunday, August 7, 2022. The event was hosted by The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation.
The 2nd Annual Virtual Frank Pasquerella Memorial Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run is in honor of Frank Pasquerella—husband, father, son, brother, friend, teacher, and mentor—who passed away from stage IV esophageal cancer. Frank’s wife, Maria is the lead event coordinator of the event.
Maria’s Story:
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 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.
The 2nd Annual Virtual Frank Pasquerella 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.™
In 2015, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation was able to award esophageal cancer research funding for the very first time. Then in November, 2018, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded esophageal cancer research funding for the second time! This research is currently underway!
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation has also raised national AND international awareness since 2011. Your continued support directly impacts and sustains this mission!
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%.
-Despite all of these facts, esophageal cancer research is extremely underfunded.
-In 2022, an estimated 20,640 will be diagnosed and there will be an estimated 16,410 deaths.
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To view the video slideshow from the 2022 event, click here.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation 