Scotch Plains Raises $13,500 for Breast Cancer Research at Annual Walk

Nearly 200 people gathered in downtown Scotch Plains on Saturday morning, October 3, 2026, to walk in support of breast cancer research and to honor loved ones lost to the disease. The annual Rose Checchio PLAY for P.I.N.K. Walk raised more than $13,500 for life-saving research.

Survivors, families, friends, and community members walked in memory of those who have passed and in honor of those currently battling breast cancer. The event reflects the deep commitment Scotch Plains has to a cause that touched the lives of many in the community.

Community Leadership and Participation

The event drew strong participation from municipal and county leadership. Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo, along with Councilmembers Matt Adams, Elizabeth Stamler, Roc White, and Ellen Zimmerman, walked in solidarity. Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and members of her family also participated.

Mayor Losardo reflected on the event's significance. "The Annual Rose Checchio Walk to Wipe Out Breast Cancer is a wonderful example of what makes Scotch Plains such a special community. More than 200 people came together this morning to honor Rose, support those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer, and help advance the search for a cure. Raising more than $13,000 for breast cancer research is an extraordinary accomplishment, and I'm grateful to everyone who walked, donated, volunteered and helped make today such a success. Rose's legacy continues to bring our community together for an incredibly important cause."

Team Smith's Impact

Former Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith led Team Smith, which included more than 50 participants and raised more than $9,000 through sponsorships and donations—a significant portion of the walk's total fundraising.

Smith spoke about the event's meaning. "It was very emotionally moving event with walkers honoring those who have passed from breast cancer, those who are currently fighting this dreaded disease, and knowing the money raised will hopefully assist researchers find a cure."

Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr added her perspective: "It was very important for me and my family to walk this morning and wear pink with so many in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood community to raise critical funds for research and talk out loud about supporting survivors, and remember those who lost their lives to this disease like my friend, Rose Checchio."

Rose Checchio's Legacy

The walk honors the memory of Rose Checchio, a former Scotch Plains councilwoman and deputy mayor who was instrumental in establishing the local event after her own breast cancer diagnosis. Checchio passed away in 2018 at age 46. Her legacy lives on through the annual walk that bears her name.

PLAY for P.I.N.K. and the Larger Mission

The Scotch Plains walk is part of PLAY for P.I.N.K., a national organization founded by Laura Lassman in 1990 following a personal experience with cancer. What began as a golf tournament in Bergen County to support a friend has grown into a movement. PLAY for P.I.N.K. now supports events in 30 states, with more than 35,000 annual participants raising funds through sports activities and lifestyle events.

Locally, Beth Hornstein, a Westfield resident and member of PLAY for P.I.N.K.'s executive board, has been deeply involved with the organization for more than 26 years. Hornstein reflected on her time with the group: "Being part of PLAY For P.I.N.K. for more than 26 years and serving as a Board Member has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I am incredibly proud of the difference this organization makes every day. Together, PLAY For P.I.N.K. has raised more than $92 million for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, supporting lifesaving breast cancer research and giving hope to so many."

Supporting Research, Saving Lives

PLAY for P.I.N.K. contributes 100% of its net proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). The organization currently supports 26 scientists at leading academic medical institutions around the world. According to PLAY for P.I.N.K.'s website, approximately 250,000 women and 2,500 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the United States—underscoring the importance of the research that these funds support.

The Scotch Plains walk demonstrated what a community united behind a cause can accomplish.

FAQ

Q: Who was Rose Checchio and why does the walk bear her name?

A: Rose Checchio was a former Scotch Plains councilwoman and deputy mayor who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was instrumental in establishing the local PLAY for P.I.N.K. walk. She passed away in 2018 at age 46. The annual walk honors her memory and continues her legacy of supporting breast cancer research.

Q: How much money did the 2026 walk raise?

A: The 2026 Rose Checchio PLAY for P.I.N.K. Walk raised more than $13,500 for breast cancer research. Team Smith, led by former Mayor Al Smith, raised more than $9,000 of that total.

Q: Who participates in the walk?

A: The walk brings together survivors, family members, friends, and community members. Participants walk in memory of loved ones lost to breast cancer, in honor of those currently battling the disease, and in support of research toward a cure.

Q: What is PLAY for P.I.N.K. and where does the money go?

A: PLAY for P.I.N.K. is a national organization founded in 1990 that raises money for breast cancer research. It contributes 100% of its net proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). The organization currently supports 26 scientists at leading academic medical institutions worldwide.

Q: How much has PLAY for P.I.N.K. raised overall?

A: Since its founding in 1990, PLAY for P.I.N.K. has raised more than $92 million for breast cancer research. The organization now operates in 30 states with more than 35,000 annual participants.

Q: Is this an annual event?

A: Yes, the Rose Checchio PLAY for P.I.N.K. Walk is an annual event in Scotch Plains, held each year to honor Rose's memory and support breast cancer research.