Despite some light rain and chilly temperatures, over 350 walkers took to the pavement at picturesque Mountain Lake on Sunday, October 18th with an eye on raising important funds. The determined walkers who took part in the 7th Annual Joan Knechel Memorial Walk (JKMW) raised over $38,000 for the Joan Knechel Cancer Center at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center. This result brings the seven year total raised to just over $320,000. 100% of all net proceeds from the Walk go directly to the Joan Knechel Cancer Center.

The Walk brought young and old, some walking alone, some in large groups, many representing loved ones lost to cancer or currently fighting the disease. The Walk is named for Joan Knechel, a former nurse at HRMC who was an inspiration to many in her own battle with cancer. In addition to the funds raised by walkers, additional monies were raised from the purchase of silver doves for the Walks commemorative Dove Tree. Over 100 silver doves were purchased In honor of or In memory of those who have battled cancer. The doves were displayed on a live tree at the walk site on the day of the event and have since been relocated to a permanent Dove Tree on display in the lobby of the Joan Knechel Cancer Center.

Each year, the JKMW recognizes the groups and individuals with the highest amount of pledges. In 2009, the following groups and individuals received plaques for their participation: Top Fundraising Adult Team Skylands Community Bank; Top Youth Fundraising Team Hackettstown High Schools Key Club; Top Adult Individual Fundraiser Ralph Knechel; and Top Youth Individual Fundraiser Maddie Bronstein.

The Schiano family, owners and operators of Mamas Restaurant, Caf Baci and Bello Giorno were the honorary chairs of this years Walk. The volunteer planning committee was led by Oxford resident Marie Accetturo. For more information about the Joan Knechel Memorial Walk and how you can make a post-event contribution or purchase commemorative silver dove, please call the HRMC Foundation Office at (908) 850-6836.