With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Woodbridge Township held their eighth annual breast cancer walk on Oct 12. The walk started from Saint John Vianney Church in Colonia, NJ and ended at Springwood Swim Club in Colonia, NJ.
According to BreastCancer.org, the most common diagnosed type of cancer in women in Breast Cancer. Approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
Honorees of this Year’s Breast Cancer Walk
The breast cancer walk was in memory of Caren Brock and Sharon Zalink, two members of the Colonia community. The money donated went to Melissa Sanzari, a young mom from Colonia who is currently battling Breast Cancer.
Brock was a paraprofessional at Colonia Middle School (CMS). She was a loving mother, a great friend and a beloved member of the community. Similarly, Zalink was a resident of Colonia, NJ. She had three children, was a wonderful person and fought bravely against Cancer until the very end.
Participation
This year, approximately 200 people participated in the walk. The goal for this event was to have a large number of support and donations and the goal was met. The town was able to raise enough money to help Sanzari pay for her medical bills.
Allison Walker, an English teacher at Colonia High School participated in this year’s walk in honor of her mother. She walked alongside her dad, her friend, Katie Vetland and Vetland’s mother. “I like to be able to give back and show my support to anyone else struggling or knows someone who is affected by breast cancer because I think there’s power in a support group,” said Walker.
History of Inman Avenue Breast Cancer walk
The Inman Avenue breast cancer walk started in 2017 to help Laura Gruenling who was battling breast cancer. The town wanted a way to support her. At the time there weren’t any breast cancer walks in the area. Thus, the town council painted a pink line down Inman avenue, and walked in support of Gruenling.
“It’s not so much about the money…It’s an emotional embrace from the community to show them that they’re not alone,” said Councilwoman Debbie Meehan.
Past Walks
The breast cancer walk in 2020 was to rally around Brock, an avid member of the Woodbridge community. She was the heart of the Colonia’s softball league, a friend to all, and an excellent role model. Her twin daughters Frankie and Maria graduated from Colonia High School.
“Ms. Brock was somebody who brought light to the world. She was a friend to those who didn’t have any and those who did, and knew how to make everyone feel loved and accepted, no matter the circumstances,” said Micheal Esquivel, a former student of CMS.
The attendance in support of Brock was overwhelming, not only from a turnout standpoint but also from a monetary one and it truly showed how loved she was in this town.
Why These Events are Important
Events like these are important as they help those who are facing different challenges and act as a reminder to women in the community to get their annual mammogram.
“I think the breast cancer walk has a huge positive impact on the community…It was very emotional to see how many people came out this year. It was nice to be that support person for someone else,” said Walker.
In summary, the annual breast cancer walk serves as a tribute to the strength and courage of those fighting and to those who have fought before them. “Support the fighters, and keep hoping for a cure,” said Councilwoman Meehan.
