Sarasota Walk brings out walkers and raises awareness

  • By Rachel S. OHara
  • | 5:00 a.m. November 13, 2010
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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The Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Foundation had their sixth annual walkathon on Saturday, Nov. 13. The walk started at JD Hamel Park in Sarasota with a few quick speakers including Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner.

The participants walked from JD Hamel Park, over the John Ringling Bridge to Bird Key Park and back to JD Hamel Park. The walk had over 170 participants.

People participating walked for many reasons. In memory of those lost, in honor of those living with pancreatic cancer and even patients and survivors.

All of those participating wore the color purple, the color of pancreatic cancer. There were purple shirts, shoes, balloons, bracelets and sunglasses.

Diane Fritschle, a pancreatic cancer patient, had an entire group of friends and family who walked with her on “Team Diane”. Fritschle’s granddaughter, Hailey, 2, was one of the many walkers for “Team Diane” and was dressed from head to toe in purple, including her fingernails that were painted with sparkly purple nails.

Fritschle had a decorated wheelchair, purple ribbons and purple and white balloons, that was brought along for the walk but when asked if she was going to use it she said firmly, “I plan on walking it [the 5k]”.

 

Participants in the Sarasota Walk make their way across the John Ringling Bridge.
Participants in the Sarasota Walk make their way across the John Ringling Bridge.
Brook Judy, Howard Tevlowitz, Cindy Senay, Mariellen Denny, Cathy Rayner, Jaci Babi and Richard Bergman walked together as a team called
Brook Judy, Howard Tevlowitz, Cindy Senay, Mariellen Denny, Cathy Rayner, Jaci Babi and Richard Bergman walked together as a team called "Abba's Army."
Payton Knox, Jeanie Know, Trista Bernath, Kayla Kahn, Alisa Richert and Krystal Kahn walked in memory of Michael Kahn, father of Kayla and Krystal.
Payton Knox, Jeanie Know, Trista Bernath, Kayla Kahn, Alisa Richert and Krystal Kahn walked in memory of Michael Kahn, father of Kayla and Krystal.
People sign up and create their personalized buttons for the Sarasota Walk for pancreatic cancer.
People sign up and create their personalized buttons for the Sarasota Walk for pancreatic cancer.
One of the informative statistic boards that were put up for people to look at while they gathered at J.D. Hamel Park for the Sarasota Walk.
One of the informative statistic boards that were put up for people to look at while they gathered at J.D. Hamel Park for the Sarasota Walk.
Diane Fritschle, a pancreatic cancer patient, holds the hands of her granddaughter, Hailey Fritschle, 2, whose fingers were painted with sparkly, purple fingernail polish for the walk.
Diane Fritschle, a pancreatic cancer patient, holds the hands of her granddaughter, Hailey Fritschle, 2, whose fingers were painted with sparkly, purple fingernail polish for the walk.
Kelly Kirshner, mayor of Sarasota, talks to the crowd at J.D. Hamel Park prior to the walk on Saturday morning.
Kelly Kirshner, mayor of Sarasota, talks to the crowd at J.D. Hamel Park prior to the walk on Saturday morning.
Pancreatic cancer survivors Suzanne Bourdeau and Joan Gardyasz pose together prior to starting the Sarasota Walk.
Pancreatic cancer survivors Suzanne Bourdeau and Joan Gardyasz pose together prior to starting the Sarasota Walk.
Participants in the Sarasota Walk make their way across the John Ringling Bridge.
Participants in the Sarasota Walk make their way across the John Ringling Bridge.

 

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