Walk With Champ
5K for EC Awareness on National Survivors Day
Sunday, June 2nd
Riverview Park, Easton, PA (near Allentown)

In January 2010, John Whelan (known to all as "Champ") was diagnosed with Esophageal

Anne and John Whelan

Cancer. At that time he and his wife Anne were both in shock and overwhelmed with the diagnosis.

John’s road to recovery was long and hard, but he is now cancer free and the Whelan’s felt a powerful desire and need to GIVE BACK and MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Walk with “Champ” is their opportunity to share the life-saving message that Heartburn can Cause Cancer. By raising awareness and by sharing this message and critical information about Esophageal Cancer, they know they can increase the chances for early detection and help save lives.

They chose June 2, National Cancer Survivor’s Day, as the date to hold the walk.  It is a celebration of life as well as the gift of the opportunity to help save others.  For this they are both truly grateful not only for what they have but for the strong community that helped to get them to this day.

Please help them to raise awareness and raise funds to fight Esophageal Cancer!

Register NOW

From left: Bob Geier (second from right) with children Kayla, Lucas and Meghan.

Smiles 4 Bob
5K Run/Walk For
Saturday, June 22nd
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Elgin, IL (near Chicago)

Smiles 4 Bob 5k honors the memory of Bob Geier. Bob was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer in January 2011. At this time the cancer had already spread from his esophagus to his liver. He had no previous symptoms and early detection was not possible. Chemotherapy was tried to gain more time with his wife and three kids, even though he knew a cure was not possible. Bob fought with heroic dignity and strength, but his battle ultimately came to an end on May 28th, 2011.

He was 52 years old.

Bob’s daughter, Kayla, wanted to find a way to remember her dad and gain awareness of this terrible disease. Being the runner that she is, she thought a 5K Run/Walk would be the perfect way. When thinking of a name she remembered family and friends’ favorite memory of her dad. He always had a smile on his face. So the name "Smiles 4 Bob" was born.

Together with her siblings, mother and many family members and friends, she hopes to raise money to support the Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN).

With your support we can help the cause to further research to help diagnose Esophageal Cancer earlier, so every patient and their family is given a fair chance to fight.

Register NOW