Inaugural Walk to Cure Rare Diseases
On Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Quinnipiac University, The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Walk to Cure Rare Diseases kicked off for the first time. It also marked the first event for the Foundation.
With over 250 people stepping off at 10am for the two mile walk at Quinnipiac, and nearly another fifty who participated virtually, the walk raised over $30,000 for the beneficiaries! Participants traveled from all over the state to support a cause near and dear to Denise’s heart, and for many, one that struck close to home.
Ahead of the walk, Denise’s daughter, Kathryn, spoke with Eric Parker on CT ‘22 about how the walk’s cause of rare diseases would have been so important to Denise, and what event-goers could expect. Kathryn emphasized that this event would be “more than just a walk” and it sure was.
Magic, carnival games and balloons from Pete and Chris Amusements provided entertainment for the kids, pirates from the Free Men of the Sea mingled with the crowd, and Frank Billowitz Sr. of the Austrian Boys played oompah-sounds throughout the morning. Members of the Manchester Pipe and Drum led walkers through Quinnipiac’s campus with the sounds of their bagpipes. And event-goers enjoyed hot pizza from the Naples wood-fired pizza truck.
Click here to see more photos from the event!
As much as the morning was fun, it was educational. With their zebra mascot joining them, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) - a beneficiary of the walk - tabled at the event and educated event-goers on the importance of the cause. Joining them at a table adjacent was The Jackson Laboratory — a sponsor for the event.
Jill Pollander, Vice President of NORD’S Patient Services, and Cat Lutz, Vice President of The Jackson Laboratory’s Rare and Orphan Disease Center, spoke with WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News on their involvement:
Senator Richard Blumenthal stopped by to show his support, and CT Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz helped kick off the event. Special thanks to her brother, John Bysiewicz of JB Sports Event Management, who organized the event.
Awards were given to the top fundraising individual and team. Raising almost $2,000 each, Denise’s family friend, Debbie and her dog, Rocco Montini took home the plaque for individual fundraiser, and “Hope for Hailey” took home the award for team.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
