Quinnipiac University to host Inaugural Walk to Cure Rare Diseases

300 EXPECTED AT THE DENISE D’ASCENZO FOUNDATION’S INAUGURAL WALK TO CURE RARE DISEASES

Hamden - The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation invites people of all ages to join its first-ever fundraising Walk to Cure Rare Diseases in memory of Connecticut’s beloved news anchor, Denise D’Ascenzo. The two-mile health walk will step off on Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. on Quinnipiac University’s Mount Carmel Campus, 275 Mount Carmel Ave., Hamden, with part of the proceeds to be donated to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).

The flat walk course winds through the picturesque Quinnipiac University campus, beginning and ending at the school’s recreation center. This event will offer something for the entire family. Participants and spectators will enjoy food and beverages served after the walk. Numerous kids’ activities including carnival games, balloon animals and magic will start at 9 a.m. and can be enjoyed throughout the event. Pipe and drum players will add to the festivities. WFSB Channel 3’s Kara Sundlun and WTNH-TV 8’s Dennis House will emcee the event.

“We are excited to host this inaugural event in honor of Denise’s legacy as Connecticut’s longest-serving news anchor, broadcasting on Channel 3 for over 33 years and, just as importantly, as a wonderful human being,” explains Wayne Cooke, Denise’s husband and the executive director of The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation. “We selected the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) to receive part of funds raised in order to continue to spread the kindness she showed to others, especially those facing life’s challenges.” NORD’s mission is to the identify, treat, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and patient services.

You can register to walk in-person or virtually. Participants are encouraged to raise funds from friends and associates or donate to The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation which will donate part of the event’s proceeds to NORD. Awards will be presented to the top fundraisers. Email jody@jbsports.com to learn more about fundraising.

Sign up now to register, sponsor, donate or raise funds for the April 30 event. To register and get full information, go to thedenisefoundation.com or runsignup.com/Race/CT/Hamden/DeniseDAscenzoWalk

Event sponsors include: Quinnipiac University, American Polyfilm, Bangladesh Bhaban Center; Estate Solutions; Goodco Painting; Hartford HealthCare, Hilltop Gallery; Kaplan Enterprises Builders and Developers; Marino, Zabel and Schellenberg; NFW Associates; Premier Auto Group, Philip Quinn – Medium and Life Coach, The Jackson Laboratory and Woodford Dental.

JB Sports LLC, coordinator of the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race and the Ion Bank Cheshire Road Race, organizes the event. For more information about the walk, go to www.jbsports.com or call 203-481-5933.

The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to continue Denise’s legacy of love and kindness by supporting advances in medicine and health, women’s and children’s issues, and journalism studies. The Foundation was established shortly after the broadcaster’s sudden death in December 2019. Since then, the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation has raised funds for community donations, including Hartford Hospital workers in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, the Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare as part of Connecticut’s Millions of Meals campaign, and Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children & Families in Windsor, among others. For more information about the Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.thedenisefoundation.com.