St. Louis Chapter Hadassah’s 6th annual Walk on Sunshine event, raising research funds for and awareness about brain tumors, will once again feature T-shirts emblazoned with the names of loved ones touched by brain tumors. Although the walk is on Sunday, June 5 at Queeny Park, name submissions will only be taken until May 13. There is no cost for including the name of a loved one on the T-shirt. These T-shirts may be purchased for $10 but must also be pre-purchased before May 13th. T-shirts will be delivered on walk day but will not be available for purchase at the walk.

To submit a name and/or order a t-shirt, please register at www.WalkOnSunshine.org or by calling Hadassah at 314-991-0434. Walkers may also register on the day of the walk, June 5, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

In addition, the Hadassah organization invites anyone with a loved one who has been touched by a brain tumor to attend the walk and carry a banner inscribed with his or her name as a way to honor or remember them.

Walk On Sunshine was the idea of local community activist, Suzy Esstman, who was living with an inoperable brain tumor and wanted to help raise awareness and research funds for the disease. Though Esstman passed away in 2007, new protocols and diagnostic tools have been developed with the funds generated from these walks. Past walks have drawn hundreds of participants!

Julie Gibbs is this year’s co chair, along with Fanchon Auman, who lost her sister to a brain tumor. “Walking for me means hope and remembrance. Hope for those living with brain tumors and remembrance of Suzy, my sister Jenni, and others who have passed,”  Auman said.

Ben & Jerry’s will serve complimentary ice cream to all attendees; local DJ Reggie Van Derson will play tunes and live music will be provided by local musicians Johnny Henry; donated prizes will be raffled off to participants (tickets for purchase in advance or at the event,) and a jewelry bazaar will be held. The walk is suitable for strollers and pets; all ages are encouraged to attend.  

For more information and online registration, go to www.WalkOnSunshine.org or call 314-991-0434.