Hadassah’s fifth annual Walk On Sunshine, which raises research funds to find cures for brain tumors, will take place Sunday, June 6, at Queeny Park (off Weidman Road) in Ballwin. Registration for this family-friendly walk begins at 9:30 a.m., with the walk getting underway at 10 a.m. Participants can avoid long lines by pre-registering at www.WalkOnSunshine.org or by calling Hadassah at 314-991-0434.

Hadassah 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. The 2010 walk will also feature new T-shirts printed with these names, which can be pre-purchased prior to May 20.

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 the first four walks. Past walks have drawn hundreds of participants.

“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, Vice President of Signature Events for St. Louis Chapter Hadassah. Ben & Jerry’s will be serving complimentary scoops of ice cream to all the walkers, Reggie Van Derson, the popular local DJ will be playing tunes and there will also be live music, a raffle in which the winner chooses his or her prize, and a bazaar. 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: www.WalkOnSunshine.org or by calling 314-991-0434.

Among the co-sponsors are the Jewish Light, RubinBrown, the Staenberg Family Foundation, Fredman Family Charitable Trust and Glass and Korein.