Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT | Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM

How to take part: Register, walk, and fundraise in person or virtually to support families affected by rare diseases.

A morning of community, strength, and hope honoring the life and legacy of Denise D’Ascenzo.

The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Walk to Fight Rare Diseases brings our community together at Quinnipiac University for a meaningful day of action and awareness. Featuring scenic 1- and 2-mile walk options, this event supports rare disease research, advocacy, and patient care while uplifting the families who navigate these challenges every day. Inspired by Denise’s deep compassion and unwavering commitment to helping others, the Walk continues her legacy by turning collective kindness into tangible impact.

2026 Walk to Fight Rare Diseases

Our 2026 Charity Partners

Fundraise for the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation or one of our charitable partners!

Event Details & Safety

The Walk to Fight Rare Diseases will be held at Quinnipiac University and features clearly marked 1- and 2-mile routes designed to be accessible and family friendly. On-site volunteers and staff will be present throughout the course to provide guidance and support. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, dressing appropriately for the weather, and bringing water.

For the safety and comfort of all participants, only trained service dogs are permitted at the event. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed. This policy helps ensure a safe, inclusive environment for individuals with medical needs and for families attending with children.

Our goal is to create a welcoming, organized, and secure experience so everyone can focus on what matters most: walking together in support of those affected by rare diseases.

About Denise

Denise D'Ascenzo was known not only as a trusted news anchor on WFSB, but for the way she showed up in the world — with warmth, grace, strength, and genuine care for others. She believed in helping people, lifting up her community, and leading with kindness.

The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation was created to carry forward the values that guided her life: supporting advances in medicine and health, assisting those facing physical and mental challenges, promoting responsibility in the media, and encouraging openness, courage, and kindness.

The walk is one way her spirit continues to make a difference — bringing people together to help others, just as she did every day.

Thank You 2026 Walk Sponsors!

Sound Development Group, Business Park Realty LLC, Dean Steeger, Robert Mauceri, and Sea Mist