These (pink) feet were made for walking. Walking for a great cause!

The Community Foundation team is cheering on participants of local virtual fundraising walks/runs or participating in them.

This year’s re-imagined American Heart Association Heart Walk was Sept. 26-Oct. 3, raising funds for lifesaving science that can teach us all how to live longer and be healthy for good. The George & Gussie Balck and Art & Mary Leske Charity Fund within the Community Foundation was a sponsor of the Northeast Wisconsin event.

Two staff members shared who they walked for last weekend as they took steps to cure heart disease and stroke.

Ann Engelhard, vice president of donor services and gift planning, ran for her father-in-law and heart health.

“I ran for my father-in-law, Bob Engelhard,” says Ann Engelhard, vice president of donor services and gift planning. “Bob suffered his first heart attack 28 years ago. They brought him back. Since that time, he’s seen his four grandchildren born and grow into adults, had numerous stents, more heart attacks, open heart surgery, a stroke and brain surgery. He was an avid runner into his 80’s. Now, he goes out for walk, with his walker! He’s still ticking like the Energizer Bunny at 93 (just moving a little slower).”

Jen Osborn, administrative associate for community engagement and one of the Community Foundation’s wellness leaders, participated in the Heart Walk.

“Since starting my own health and wellness journey in November 2012, it has become a huge passion and love of mine,” says Jen Osborn, administrative associate for community engagement and one of the Community Foundation’s wellness leaders. “I walk and help raise awareness for my father-in-law as well as many other folks who have some sort of heart condition. In fact, my cat, Stripes, had heart disease prior to his passing earlier this year. We only have one body – we need to honor, respect and love ourselves and dedicate time to take care of ourselves, so we can show up and be present in our beautiful lives.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this weekend is the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Fox Valley Walk, sponsored by the Robert Dohr and Lilas Dohr Charitable Fund. To cheer on those in the community who are walking, several of us took photos wearing pink.

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Shelly taking steps fighting cancer in her awesome pink socks.

The walk is Sat., Oct. 17. Instead of gathering as one large group, people are “Striding Their Own Trails” over the week. They’re picking a trail, walking their neighborhood or hopping on a treadmill. Where they walk isn’t important, what’s important is that they are joining in the fight against cancer and making a difference.

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