Linda's Trail of Love 5K T-shirts

This first annual fundraiser is in honor of Linda Klueber – Mother, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, nurse, volunteer and hero – who passed away from esophageal cancer on September 30, 2021. Please note that purchasing a T-shirt does not include a ticket to the event. To purchase a ticket to the event, please visit https://salgiwalkforlinda2022.eventbrite.com

Through this first annual event, our family would like to spread awareness of esophageal cancer, advocate for those families facing this disease, and raise money to help fund research. Since esophageal cancer is currently underfunded, our hope is that more targeted treatments and immunotherapies will be developed with the help of our contributions.

Linda’s journey with this illness was typical of the many others who suffer from this disease. The worrisome signs (heartburn and reflux) were dismissed, and an endoscopy was only scheduled after Linda began having difficulty swallowing. In August 2019, Linda was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal adenocarcinoma. Her two-year journey was challenging, especially during this pandemic. Even though targeted treatments for her specific condition were not available, she did not give up hope and tried every treatment available. Linda passed peacefully but she is still ever-present in all of our lives.

Linda was the oldest of 7 Guarino siblings and their spouses, mother to Katie Ablett and Michael Klueber, and a grandmother-to-be to baby Ablett. She had over 25 nieces and nephews and hundreds of friends. Her extended family includes many Guarino aunts, uncles and cousins whom she so loved.

Linda was a born leader and cared deeply for all of us. She led like a friend, without being bossy, stubborn, mean or partial. She was a wise peacemaker and the best listener. She was also a silent warrior and made it through tumultuous times with a smile and loving nature. She had a great sense of humor that could always turn situations from bad to hilarious. Linda was a dedicated volunteer with the Somerset County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), and the Canal Walk Health and Safety Awareness Team. Her love, laughter, and caring for others will be her lasting legacy.
 
Please remember to take pictures during your walk or run! When posting your photos on social media, use the hashtag #SalgiWalkForLinda and tag us at @SalgiFoundation. You can also email them to salgifoundation@gmail.com and we will post them!

Everywhere Linda walked, she spread love. Let’s do the same in her memory.