Walk With Love Raises Over $100,000

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

More than 450 participants, volunteers and staff members came to the Palisades Recreation Center for the 11th annual Walk With Love 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, April 28.

The walk is hosted each year by the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation in support of research focused on the cause and prevention of breast cancer. 

Those who were unable to make it out to the Palisades were able to participate virtually, with 55 people joining in from 12 different states.

“One of the most memorable moments of the walk was when we honored Team Stella – TBG West with the Community Impact Award,” Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation Director of Development Michelle Woodhill shared with the Palisadian-Post after the event. “Team Stella walks in honor of Stella Perez who lost her battle with breast cancer on June 3, 2013.”

For the past seven years, the team has been one of the largest teams that shows up every year.

“Team Captain, Charlotte Ellevold, and Stella’s family accepted the award,” Woodhill continued. “Stella’s son, George Perez Jr., provided a moving and tearful acceptance speech that honored his loving mother. There was not a dry eye. It was a touching and beautiful tribute to her and we as a foundation were grateful we could honor her memory in this way.”

Critical funds raised at the walk will go toward programs like the Army of Women, which educates and engages the public to participate in research studies that help bring the world closer to a future without breast cancer. Other programs include Mapping of the Breast Ducts, the microbiome of the breast study, and ImPatient Science—a recently launched digital education initiative using a series of instructional videos and online resources.. 

“As of today, we have raised almost $128,000,” Woodhill said.

Donations are still being accepted, with a goal of raising $150,000 by June 30.

“We will definitely have the walk return again next year,” Woodhill said. “We always appreciate the support and participation of the Palisadian community. We could not have a successful walk without their tremendous support!”