Register Now for The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation’s Walk to Fight Rare Diseases
Register now to join The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation in its 2025 Walk to Fight Rare Diseases presented by Johnson Brunetti. Approximately 300 walkers are expected for the fourth annual fundraising walk in memory of Connecticut’s beloved news anchor, Denise D’Ascenzo. The two-mile health walk steps off on Saturday, April 26<sup>th</sup> at 10:00 a.m. on Quinnipiac University’s Mount Carmel campus, starting at the Recreation & Wellness Center. The event will be held rain or shine, and will feature a walk, pizza truck, snacks, refreshments, children’s activities, pipes and drums players and more. WFSB-TV 3’s Kara Sundlun and WTNH-TV 8’s Dennis House will emcee the event.
“We are excited to again host this event in honor of Denise’s legacy as one of Connecticut’s longest-serving news anchor, broadcasting on Channel 3 for over 33 years and, just as importantly, as a wonderful human being,” explains Wayne Cooke, Denise’s husband and a member of The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation.”
This year, walkers can register to support The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation or one of the partner charities when they register. The partner nonprofit charities benefiting from the walk include the Galactosemia Foundation, Hope in Focus, Moyamoya Foundation, National Fragile X Foundation CT chapter, Peace Love & ACCESSibility, Project Purple, and PWS Families United.
To register, go to: www.thedenisefoundation.com. Walk-ins are welcome on event day.
Participants are encouraged to fundraise for The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation and official partner charities. Raise $200 or more and receive a complimentary walk entry! Awards will be presented to the top fundraisers. Email jody@jbsports.com to learn more about fundraising.
The event is presented by Johnson Brunetti. Major support for the event comes from Alexion, WFSB-TV 3, Quinnipiac University, Soleno Therapeutics, Inc., and Connecticut Newborn Screening Network at Connecticut Children’s. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please reach out to John Bysiewicz, john@jbsports.com.
JB Sports LLC, coordinator of the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race and the Ion Bank Cheshire Road Race, organizes the event. For more information about the walk, go to www.jbsports.com or call
203-481-5933.
The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to carry on Denise’s passionate efforts to support advances in medicine and health, promote responsibility in the media, and assist those facing physical and mental challenges, while encouraging openness, courage and kindness in all endeavors. The Foundation was established shortly after the broadcaster’s sudden death in December 2019. Since its establishment in early 2020, the Foundation has raised funds and made numerous donations to community organizations and causes that include Hartford HealthCare nursing staff, the Connecticut Food Bank, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), The ALS Association, the Yale New Haven Children's Hospital’s Toy Closet Program, Brian’s Hope, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Down’s Syndrome Association, Ronald McDonald House, Tiny Miracles Foundation, Dress for Success, Ability Media, Circle of Care, Andrew’s Ohana Foundation, Kenway’s Cause Animal Rescue, Connecticut Children’s Foundation, Bristol Adult Resource Center, In Focus, Hartford Hospital Auxiliary, and Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families. For more information about the Foundation or to donate, visit www.thedenisefoundation.com.
For information about the organization’s September 9<sup>th</sup> Benefit Golf Tournament at Wethersfield Country Club, go to www.thedenisefoundation.com/golf-2025