Walk/Run for Knights-Kaderli Fund returns this Saturday without Covid restrictions

File photo by Ginny Kropf: Walkers are off to start the 30th annual Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run in October 2018. The course starts by the East Shelby firehall.

SHELBY – For more than three decades, the community has gathered for a walk/run to support patients living with cancer in Orleans County and their families.

The Knights-Kaderli Fund was formed when two families, whose loved one died from cancer, joined their fundraising efforts. The foundation was named in honor of Richard Knights and Susan Kaderli, both lifelong residents of Orleans County.

After being apart in 2020 due to Covid-19, the walk reconvened last year, although the pandemic forced organizers to pivot and make logistical changes to the event to keep participants safe, said Knights’ daughter, Stacey Knights Pellicano.

“This year we are happy to report we can again gather without restrictions for the 34th annual Knights-Kaderli Walk on Saturday,” Pellicano said. “We are returning to an untimed event, so registrants can participate at a leisurely walk with family and friends, or set their watches for a 5K run.”

The event this year will resemble the more casual family atmosphere of the walk’s earlier years, Pellicano said.

The event on Saturday will begin at 11 a.m. at East Shelby Volunteer Fire Hall. Lunch will be served immediately following the race and guests may eat outside under the pavilion. Participants and the public are urged to be part of a big basket raffle.

“This is one of our major fundraisers for the year,” Pellicano said. “We look forward to being with all of our supporters. Those who have ever participated in our event understand the energy of that day. It gives us hope and unites participants. We know the community will show up to support their neighbors who are living with cancer. Cancer does not stop for a pandemic, and our neighbors need us, especially now as they fight their disease and are sometimes isolated from their own families to protect their health.”

The Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund is a 50l(c)3 tax-exempt organization run by a board of directors, which means there are no administrative costs. This allows 100 percent of money raised to be used to help cancer patients. Money raised is used for the benefit of Orleans County cancer patients. In addition to fundraising, money is raised by contributions made by individuals, organizations and memorials.

Funds thus far have assisted families with nutritional supplements and prescriptions, as well as medical supplies and bills and transportation costs.

For more information or financial assistance, contact Mary Zelazny at (585) 746-8455; Melissa Knights Bertrand at (716) 983-7932; or Stacey Knights Pellicano at (716) 998-0977.

Participants may register online (Click here for more information.) Donations may be made by logging online (click here) or Venmo @knightskaderli.