The 2022 Virtual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run took place on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19, 2022. Thank you to everyone who signed up, donated, and/or created a fundraising team!
The 2022 Virtual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run was hosted by The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity working to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research of esophageal cancer…in hopes of a cure.™
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.
Rhode Island’s 11th Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run is hosted by The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity working to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research of esophageal cancer…in hopes of a cure.™
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.
For over a decade, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation and our supporters have been sounding the alarm on this deadly and fast rising cancer. Now, two recent articles have shown the impact of little awareness, no routine screenings and insufficient research funding.
The first study found “early surgery yielded better survival outcomes in patients with stage II/III esophageal cancer compared with delayed surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to findings from a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.1”
Early Vs Delayed Surgery Associated With Improved Survival in Stage II/III Esophageal Cancer, cancernetwork.com
Early detection of esophageal cancer is crucial to saving lives. Unfortunately, red flag warning symptoms of esophageal cancer typically appear late, once the cancer has spread and becomes difficult to treat. There are also no routine screenings to improve early detection. To make matters worse, many are unaware of the risk factors associated with esophageal cancer, like chronic heartburn which could indicate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
“Timely care should always be the priority for patients,” senior author Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang, MD, a thoracic surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and an assistant professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, said in a press release.2 “However, there were times during the COVID-19 pandemic when delays to cancer care occurred. This study, using pre-pandemic data, helps us understand the impact of the delay to care for patients with different stages of operable esophageal cancer.” (CancerNetwork.com)
The second study showed that “Between 2012 and 2019, esophageal cancer rates nearly doubled and prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus increased by 50% among adults aged 45 to 64 years, according to researchers.”
Increased rates of esophageal cancer, BE in middle-aged adults prompt concern, healio.com
We too often hear and read that esophageal cancer is “rare” and that it “typically impacts older, Caucasian males” and is more common in men than women. The reality is that esophageal cancer is one of the fastest rising and deadliest cancers. Esophageal cancer has increased over 700% in the past four decades. As esophageal cancer is increasing at such an alarming rate, it has impacted more and more people of all ages, sex and race.
What Can You Do?
1. Learn the facts. Knowledge is power. Educate yourself on the facts associated with esophageal cancer.
Esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased 733% in the past 4 decades
Many are unaware that acid reflux can increase esophageal cancer risk.
Symptoms often occur once the cancer spreads and is difficult to treat.
There are no routine screenings to detect the cancer in earlier stages.
19.6% of patients diagnosed will survive 5+ years.
Late-stage survival rate is only 5.7%.
2022 estimates: 20,640 new diagnoses and 16,410 deaths.
Esophageal cancer research is critically underfunded.
2. Join us! Follow and share our social media pages. Encourage your family members and friends to like our pages and share them as well. The more people join this mission, the better!
Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest growing & deadliest cancers! Chronic heartburn could increase the risk. Donate to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation! SALGI.org/donate Follow: @SalgiFoundation #EsophagealCancer #EsophagealCancerAwareness
3. Donate. Make a one-time or recurring donation to our charity in support of this mission to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research of esophageal cancer…in hopes of a cure.™ All donations are 100% tax-deductible, as The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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.
2022 Infographic
Save the infographic below and share it on social media to help raise awareness. Tag us in your posts. @SalgiFoundation
1. Bajaj SS, Shah KM, Potter AL, et al. Early vs delayed operation for esophageal cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Am Col Sur. Published online May 12, 2022. doi:10.1097/XCS.0000000000000248
2. Delays in surgery for advanced esophageal cancer result in significantly worse survival than early surgery. News release. American College of Surgerons. May 12, 2022. Accessed May 13, 2022. https://bit.ly/3sVP2QD
Each year, April 30th marks the last day of Esophageal Cancer Awareness month. In 2017, April 30th was also the date that Raymond John Glazer passed away from esophageal cancer.
Now his daughter Michelle is hosting a fundraiser in his memory. Michelle will be selling esophageal cancer awareness periwinkle tack pins and t-shirts on her website to benefit The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation.
The esophageal cancer awareness periwinkle pins are $5 and the “Peace Love Cure Esophagus Cancer” t-shirts start at $18. Both are available on her website, please click here.
Please read below to learn more about her father’s story and how you can shop to make a difference.
Michelle’s Story, In Loving Memory of Raymond John Glazer:
“Esophageal cancer research is severely underfunded; there are currently no early screenings or any effective treatments for this very deadly disease!
My father developed a problem swallowing, which he never mentioned. He had been caring for our mother for 3 years post stroke at 80 years old. He cleaned her, changed her, fed her and checked her blood sugar, absolutely refusing to put his wife in a nursing home. We also noticed he was getting extremely thin, always had heartburn and was not eating much.
Then September 23rd, 2016, my sister took him to the hospital because he couldn’t even swallow water. He had an endoscopy with biopsy the next day. The doctor had the Oncologist meet with us the following day, telling us he had a golf ball sized tumor right above the stomach in his esophagus. The biopsy came back poorly differentiated high grade adenocarcinoma.
He agreed to the 4 months of radiation daily and chemo weekly, as what was recommended. I sat with him for hours every day at the hospital. He also made me his power of attorney if he could no longer make decisions for himself. The GI doctor placed a mesh stent in the esophagus to hold the tumor back which allowed him to eat and gain some strength before treatment started.
He became so sick from treatments and wasn’t eating, electrolytes were off and he was extremely confused. After discussing it with him, I signed to have a gastric tube placed in November. He could barely walk at this time, so we also got him a wheelchair. The doctor that placed the tube told me after surgery that the tumor was growing through the mesh. Last mega radiation was early December and he would have a CT with contrast in May.
On April 25th, I took him to the ER. He woke all sweaty, couldn’t breathe or talk well and could no longer stand on his own. I asked the admitting doctor if he could order the CT now, which he did. He called me to come in on April 27th, because Dad wasn’t doing well. He waited for me even after his shift was done to tell me that the CT showed the tumor had invaded straight across the abdomen, into the spinal cord, lungs, brain, prostate and hip. The absolute worst thing I had to do was inform the rest of my family and sign a Do Not Resuscitate, Do Not Intubate. Dad had told the doctor this was what he wanted.
On April 30th, he passed in his sleep at 4:40am, ironic that it was the last day of Esophageal Cancer Awareness month. I am raising funds for Salgi, as I did last year, in hopes of finding a way to test early and hopefully a treatment that works for those that become afflicted. All proceeds are being donated in memory of Raymond John Glazer.”
Please join us in welcoming Greystone Financial Group, LLC, Gold Sponsor of Linda’s Trail of Love, 1st Annual Esophageal Cancer 5K Run/Walk. The event is hosted by The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation. Guests decide if they would like to participate in the virtual event on Saturday, April 30, 2022 or Sunday May 1, 2022.
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. Everywhere Linda walked, she spread love. Let’s do the same in her memory. Sign up today! Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 day of the virtual event. Visit: http://salgiwalkforlinda2022.eventbrite.com/
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.™
In 2015, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded esophageal cancer research funding for the very first time. In November 2018, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded esophageal cancer research funding for the second time. Funded research is currently underway!
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation has raised national AND international awareness since 2011. Your continued support directly impacts and sustains this mission!
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.
-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 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.
Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest and deadliest cancers in the United States, United Kingdom and other western countries.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded two research grants! The first in 2015 and the second in 2018. The research awarded in 2018, a breath test for esophageal cancer, is currently underway. Both grants were given in honor of all the men and women affected by esophageal cancer. While these are tremendous accomplishments, esophageal cancer research is critically underfunded and medical researchers continuously inquire about funding.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted or delayed screenings, diagnosis and treatments for many individuals who may now be facing advanced prognosis.
Now more than ever, your support is critically needed to enable this charity to fulfill our mission.
Learn the Facts:
-Esophageal cancer increased over 700% in the past four decades.
-Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and western world.
-Esophageal cancer has an overall 5 year survival rate of only 19.9%.
-There are no routine or standard screenings.
-Symptoms often arise late, once the cancer has spread.
-Stage IV has a survival rate of only 5.2%.
-Esophageal cancer research is critically underfunded.
-In 2016, an estimated $1.6 billion was spent on esophageal cancer care in the United States.
-2022 estimates for esophageal cancer: 20,640 diagnoses & 16,410 deaths.
2022 Infographic
Save the infographic below and share it on social media to help raise awareness. Tag us in your posts. @SalgiFoundation
Donate Today!
Donate today to our ‘April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month’ Facebook fundraiser! Facebook makes it easy to donate and share the campaign. 100% of all donations go directly towards our mission. Click the button or link below.
More evidence has emerged that shows the pandemic has delayed cancer diagnoses.
A 2021 study, conducted by Dr. Brajesh K. Lal, a vascular surgeon and researcher at the VA Maryland Health Care System’s Baltimore VA Medical Center, and professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), and his team found that the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with reductions in cancer screening and diagnostic procedures that likely resulted in a reduction in new cancer diagnoses.
“Researchers analyzed data from more than 9 million patients at over 1,200 Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Overall, new cancer diagnoses dropped between 13% and 23% in 2020, depending on the cancer type, the findings showed.”
While not specifically mentioned in the article, esophageal cancer lacks routine and/or standard screenings and is often detected late, as warning symptoms usually appear once the cancer has spread. As one of the deadliest and fastest growing cancers in the Western world, esophageal cancer has increased over 700% in the past four decades. Esophageal cancer also lacks awareness of risk factors and warning signs.
Many are unaware that chronic reflux could increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Coupled with the fact that overall cancer diagnoses dropped during the pandemic, we fear that more people who could have had their cancer caught earlier will now face a late-stage diagnosis.
To learn more about risk factors, warning signs and screening methods visit the links below.
If you have any risk factors or warning signs, please speak to your doctor immediately about screening for possible damage.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is working to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research of esophageal cancer…in hopes of a CURE!™
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded two research grants! The first in 2015 and the second in 2018. The research awarded in 2018, a breath test for esophageal cancer, is currently underway. Both grants were given in honor of all the men and women affected by esophageal cancer. While these are tremendous accomplishments, esophageal cancer research is critically underfunded, and medical researchers continuously inquire about funding.
Now more than ever, your support is critically needed to enable this charity to fulfill our mission.
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, 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
In loving memory of 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.
-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 Winter 2022 issue of PreferredHealthMagazine featured Dara and her father, Joe’s story of his diagnosis of esophageal cancer and heartbreaking passing. Dara is our Brooklyn, NY Chapter Representative. Dara also included her efforts and work with this mission to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research of esophageal cancer.
Preferred Health Magazine was a presenting sponsor of our 3rd Annual Esophageal Cancer Awareness Run/Walk- NYC in September, 2021.
In addition to sharing Dara’s father’s arduous, valiant and heart wrenching battle with esophageal cancer, it also highlights the importance of awareness of risk factors, symptoms and being your own advocate, especially concerning screening.
Please subscribe to the magazine so that you can access the link directly to read the entire issue. PreferredHealthMagazine.com
‘Tis the season…to have heartburn?! Holiday celebrations often include fun, festivities and food. Sometimes indulging in our favorite foods can mean heartburn. While occasional heartburn may not necessarily be a cause for concern (check with your doctor to make sure), chronic heartburn and other digestive issues may be a symptom of an underlying digestive disorder called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD.
GERD can damage the esophagus and increase the risk of more serious digestive diseases, including Barrett’s esophagus and/or esophageal cancer. Many are unaware that chronic heartburn, among other factors, can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
A lack of awareness of esophageal cancer, paired with the fact that warning symptoms typically appear once the cancer has spread and becomes difficult to treat, makes esophageal cancer one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancers.
While there are currently no routine or standard screenings to detect esophageal cancer, early detection is key. Please speak to your doctor if you have any risk factors or warning signs/symptoms. To learn what tests are used to screen for esophageal cancer, visit: https://salgi.org/screening
For more information on chronic heartburn and the risk of esophageal cancer, visit: SALGI.org/heartburn.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation: Established in Rhode Island on November 21, 2011, in order to raise awareness, encourage early detection and fund research in hopes of a cure of esophageal cancer; The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit organization, as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation 