10th Annual Walk-Off For Cancer Was a Huge Success

COMMUNITY NEWS 10TH ANNUAL WALK-OFF FOR CANCER Was a Huge Success

On a warm South Florida evening in August 2018, Kelly Sorensen sat down for dinner with her husband and two children. The meal started out like countless other evening meals. Unfortunately, family dinners would never be the same again. Kelly’s daughter, Emma, lost vision in her right eye as she sat with her family. By the end of the night, she was rushed to the emergency room. Over the coming weeks, they learned that Emma had a tumor in her brain. Tragically, Emma lost her battle with cancer 18 months later.

Kelly bravely told Emma’s story to a crowd of hundreds who gathered on a cool Sunday morning to help raise money for the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. November 14th marked Rizzo’s 10th annual Walk-Off For Cancer 5K walk at Pine Trails Park in Parkland. Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $8 million dollars to help support families battling childhood cancer, included $3 million in the past year alone.

The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation is a bit unusual amongst charities that focus on cancer. In addition to funding research and care, like many other foundations, the Rizzo Foundation provides financial support directly to families stricken by the disease.

By Terry Jaillet

“When a child gets cancer, 70% of families lose personal income,” said Rizzo during a ceremony prior to the walk, “many families are forced to file for personal bankruptcy. We try to make sure families can pay their bills.”

Anthony Rizzo’s journey to helping pediatric cancer patients and their families came from a very personal experience. Shortly after being drafted by the Boston Red Sox at the age of 17, Rizzo was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He received treatment and his cancer eventually went into remission. Rizzo went on to become a World Series Champion and threetime All-Star in Major League Baseball, playing for the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. His success and positive attitude are an inspiration for people suffering from cancer everywhere.

In 2012 Rizzo and his family founded The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. Each year the foundation holds an annual walk to raise money and awareness for the victims of childhood cancer.

⊲ For more info on The Anthony

Rizzo Family Foundation or to donate, visit www.rizzo44.com.

See everyone next year!