TWO NEW JERSEY WALKATHONS RAISE MORE THAN $100,000 FOR KALEIDOSCOPE OF HOPE FOUNDATION
 
Nearly 500 supporters helped to raise close to $130,000 for ovarian cancer research and awareness at two recent New Jersey Walkathons. The events, held on two successive Sundays in Morris and Bergen counties, were organized by the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation, a local nonprofit created by three ovarian cancer survivors. This is the second year that Kaleidoscope has led two such efforts during September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The walkathons provided an opportunity for individuals, families, groups and companies to support lifesaving research and awareness. On September 18, 2005 approximately 300 people attended the foundation’s Sixth Annual Morristown Walkathon in Loantaka Brook Reservation. On September 25, the Second Annual Lyndhurst Walk brought 200 more to the Richard W. DeKorte Park at Meadowlands Environmental Center. The Castle family of Lyndhurst, longtime supporters of Kaleidoscope of Hope, was instrumental in organizing and running the Lyndhurst event.
Tracy Humphrey, a meteorologist at New York TV station WNYW, spoke at the Morristown walkathon. A kaleidoscope is a “succession of changing phases or actions,” said Humphrey. “Now is the time to change the course of ovarian cancer, to insist on more research, more funding, more action.”

Local officials attending the walkathons included U.S. Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11); Morris Township Mayor H. Scott Rosenbush; Chatham Township Mayor William O’Connor; State Senator Anthony R. Bucco (Dist. 25), and Chatham Borough Councilman Bruce Harris. Speaking at the Morristown walk, Rep. Frelinghuysen voiced his great admiration for the founders and also for those who could not be there. “The money that these remarkable women have raised goes for research that can make a difference,” he said.


Several awards were presented at the Morris County walkathon. Gerri Meer of Mendham, who chaired the event, was given the Special Volunteer Award for her service to the foundation. The K Team, marching to support Kate Holland of New Providence, was named Pledge Champion for raising nearly $6,000. The female walker with the highest number of pledges was Karen Kimak of Pequannock. The male walker with the most pledges was Dylan Kessler of Montville, who used the occasion of his recent Bar Mitzvah to raise more than $1,000 in honor of Susan Rudnick, his grandmother, who walked together with him, his parents, family, and friends.
Joe Franklin of Chatham Township honored his wife’s memory by presenting the Lynda Franklin Team Spirit Award to the Randolph High School Girls’ Soccer Team, the Lady Rams. The team, which also included family, friends, and members of the school’s Cancer Awareness Club, walked for Devin Vandenberg in memory of her mother, Beverly Vandenberg.
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