Were very pleased with the amount of money raised, said event chair Marie Accetturo, noting that the Walk has raised $210,000 for the Joan Knechel Cancer Center in its first four years. It was a heart-warming day and it is always great to see the spirit of giving thats present at an event like this.

Dr. Nancy Low, Medical Director of the Joan Knechel Cancer Center, was the Honorary Chair of this years Walk. Joan Knechel passed away from cancer in September 2002. A former nurse at Hackettstown Community Hospital (now HRMC), she was known as an inspirational and caring person who would help you in anyway she could. For this event, Joan is a symbol of all those who have battled or are currently battling cancer.

In many ways, this years Walk was a team effort. Several groups raised money together and then walked together. For the second straight year, the North Warren Leo Club from North Warren Regional High School gathered a sizeable number of pledges, as did the Great Meadows Regional School District faculty and staff, and several members of the HRMC Diagnostic Imaging Department. Several Girl Scout troops were also represented, as were other youth groups and organizations.

Participants enjoyed entertainment provided by the band, Quartermoon, free food and great prizes. Additionally, the Lehigh Valley Kite Society flew their kites and also helped youngsters make their own, free of charge. For many, the day started with a breakfast sponsored by the Mountain Lake Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

Money raised by HRMC Foundation programs and events such as the Joan Knechel Walk have been used for new medical equipment, advanced levels of technology and expansion projects at the hospital. For further information about the Joan Knechel Cancer Center or Hackettstown Regional Medical Center Foundation, call the Foundation office at (908) 850-6876.