On Sunday, May 18, Hadassah will hold its ninth annual Suzy Esstman’s Walk On Sunshine event, raising funds for research to cure brain tumors. This year’s walk will honor the late John Mann, who died in 2011 at age 45. The family-friendly walk begins at 10 a.m. in Queeny Park, taking a one-mile course and ending with music and a raffle and complimentary ice cream.   

Participants are also invited to bring banners to carry on the walk honoring or remembering loved ones who have been affected by a brain tumor. Newly designed T-shirts will list the names of these loved ones and included in registration. St. Louis University offer free health screenings.

“John Mann put a ‘ding’ in the universe,” said Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation. “Like his mother, Marylen, John dedicated his life to making the world better and, though he left us much too soon, he left everything he touched better than he found it.”

“This walk is really a way for us to make a lot of noise about the subject of brain tumors, as well as to have a lot of ‘big fun,’ one of Suzy Esstman’s favorite expressions,” said Diane Maier, co-founder of Walk on Sunshine. 

This year’s walk will feature a special silent auction item package donated by Mike Shannon, who lost his wife Judy to a brain tumor.  The walk is suitable for strollers and pets; all ages are encouraged to attend.

Information about the walk and online registration may be found at WalkOnSunshine.org or by calling 314-991-0434.