On a sunny Sunday in October, The Madi Thaler Memorial Breast Cancer Walk-a-Thon was held to honor Madi Thaler, past President of the Simcha Chapter of Hadassah. More than 350 people gathered to walk and raise money for cancer research. Surviving spouse, Sunny Isles Beach Vice Mayor Lewis J. Thaler, was on hand to address the group which honored his late wife in this special way.
From the Kick-Off Reception sponsored by Neiman Marcus in Bal Harbour earlier in the month, to the planning and logistics of this walk, one could see the supreme effort put forth by the committee to make the event successful. Romero Britto donated his design for shirts to raise funds. These shirts were worn by walkers and supporters and continue to be on sale through the committee members.
Current President Fanny Korn, introduced speakers, including a special guest from the Miami Herald, Andrea Torres, who recounted her struggle with the disease. Madi’s friend and Simcha Past President Susan Metsch addressed the group and SIB Mayor Norman S. Edelcup participated in the gathering. The City of Sunny Isles Beach sponsored the walk and the SIB Police Department provided a custom decorated pink patrol car to lead the way and provide safe crossing.
Snacks were donated by Costco, Mo’s Bagel, Bagel Works for participants. A personal trainer led the crowd in a prewalk warm-up. Participants walked from Pelican Community Park along Collins Avenue to Town Center Park at 17200 Collins Avenue. City staff worked out an alternate route with the organizers to continue the event despite an unexpected high tide. The City Community Shuttle Bus was on hand to transport walkers back to their vehicles.
Co-chairs of the event Fanny Korn, Trina Duluc, Audrey Reinhartz, Roberta Rousseau and Carmen Greer spent many hours planning every detail to make this a successful event. Planning is already underway for the October 6, 2013 Madi Thaler Memorial Breast Cancer Walk-a-thon. For more information contact Fanny Korn @ 443-621-8612 or email her @ fannykorn@yahoo.com about participating in next year’s event. Support is appreciated from all the surrounding communities.
