Scotch Plains Rose Checchio Walk 2026

Scotch Plains will hold the annual Rose Checchio Walk to Wipe Out Breast Cancer on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Scotch Plains Municipal Building, 430 Park Ave. Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. Registration is $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. The event, part of Play for P.I.N.K.'s nationwide fundraising efforts, benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The walk carries the name of Rose Checchio, a Scotch Plains Township Council member elected in 2014 who served as deputy mayor in 2016. Checchio was also a wife, mother, and entrepreneur who owned Little Genius Academy locations in Metuchen, Edison, and Whippany. In June 2015, she was diagnosed with triple-negative, stage 3 breast cancer.

While in remission in 2016, Checchio worked with Scotch Plains officials and community members to organize the first local walk benefiting breast cancer research. About 50 people participated. The 2017 walk drew more than 140 participants and raised more than $2,600. Checchio died on October 21, 2018, at age 46, following a four-year battle with cancer. She had served nearly four years on the Township Council.

The walk has continued in her name as community gathering and fundraising tribute to Checchio's legacy of community engagement and cancer advocacy.

Union County Life covers Scotch Plains community events, charitable programs, and local news across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Rose Checchio Legacy and Community Impact

Rose Checchio represented Scotch Plains through elected office and community engagement across multiple organizations. Her work on the Township Council, involvement with Scotch Plains Garden Club, community garden participation, and annual Trunk or Treat celebration leadership reflected deep community commitment and civic participation.

Checchio's cancer diagnosis transformed her community engagement into personal advocacy and created platform for fundraising and cancer awareness work alongside her continuing service.

Cancer Diagnosis and Advocacy

In June 2015, Checchio was diagnosed with triple-negative, stage 3 breast cancer—aggressive cancer subtype requiring intensive treatment. Triple-negative breast cancer does not respond to hormone-targeted or HER2-targeted therapy, requiring chemotherapy and other interventions.

Despite cancer diagnosis and treatment, Checchio maintained community involvement and began organizing local fundraising to support cancer research and community support.

First Walk Creation and Community Response

While in remission in 2016, Checchio worked with Scotch Plains officials and community members to organize the inaugural Rose Checchio Walk. About 50 community members participated, demonstrating neighborhood support and cancer awareness engagement.

The first walk established community gathering around breast cancer advocacy and fundraising—transforming personal cancer journey into collective community action.

Walk Growth and Fundraising

The 2017 walk drew more than 140 participants and raised more than $2,600 for breast cancer research. Year-over-year growth from 50 to 140+ participants reflected increasing community engagement and Rose Checchio's visibility as local leader and cancer advocate.

Fundraising growth supports expanded research funding and demonstrates community commitment to cancer research advancement.

Rose Checchio's Death and Continued Legacy

Checchio died on October 21, 2018, at age 46, following a four-year cancer battle. She had served nearly four years on Township Council and built community following through consistent civic engagement and personal authenticity.

The walk has continued in her name as lasting community tribute to her life, leadership, and cancer advocacy—enabling continued fundraising and community gathering in her memory.

Play for P.I.N.K. Partnership

The walk benefits Play for P.I.N.K., a nationwide organization founded in Bergen County in 1990 dedicated to breast cancer fundraising. Play for P.I.N.K. ensures one hundred percent of net proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)—directing all fundraising directly to research support without administrative overhead.

Partnership with established national organization amplifies Scotch Plains fundraising and connects local donors to nationwide cancer research funding.

Breast Cancer Research Foundation Support

BCRF funds innovative breast cancer research through competitive grants to leading scientists worldwide. Research funding supports advances in breast cancer detection, treatment, and prevention—directly addressing health outcomes and treatment innovation.

Community fundraising through local walks contributes to research funding that benefits all breast cancer patients and families.

Community Gathering and Remembrance

The annual walk represents community gathering for breast cancer awareness, fundraising, and personal remembrance. Participants may walk in honor of cancer survivors, memory of loved ones, or personal commitment to cancer research funding.

For Scotch Plains residents and Union County community members, the walk provides meaningful opportunity to participate in cancer advocacy and fundraise for research supporting improved breast cancer outcomes.

Registration and Event Details

Registration is $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. at Scotch Plains Municipal Building, 430 Park Ave.

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FAQ

Q: When is the Rose Checchio breast cancer walk?
A: The walk is Saturday, October 3, 2026. Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 9 a.m.

Q: Where is the walk held?
A: The walk takes place at Scotch Plains Municipal Building, 430 Park Ave., Scotch Plains.

Q: How much does it cost to participate?
A: Registration is $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under.

Q: Who is Rose Checchio?
A: Rose Checchio was a Scotch Plains Township Council member (2014–2018) and served as deputy mayor in 2016. She was a wife, mother, and entrepreneur who owned Little Genius Academy locations. She was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in June 2015 and died on October 21, 2018, at age 46.

Q: Why is the walk named after Rose Checchio?
A: While in remission in 2016, Rose organized the first local breast cancer walk. The walk continues in her name as a tribute to her legacy and cancer advocacy.

Q: How many people participated in prior walks?
A: The first walk (2016) had about 50 participants. The 2017 walk drew more than 140 participants and raised over $2,600.

Q: Where do the proceeds go?
A: Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) through Play for P.I.N.K. One hundred percent of net proceeds go directly to cancer research.

Q: What is Play for P.I.N.K.?
A: Play for P.I.N.K. is a nationwide organization founded in Bergen County in 1990. It organizes fundraising events benefiting breast cancer research.

Q: What does the Breast Cancer Research Foundation do?
A: BCRF funds innovative breast cancer research through grants to leading scientists worldwide, supporting advances in detection, treatment, and prevention.