3,000-Mile Charity Walk Hits Madison Thursday

Madison Mayor Mary-Anna Holden and the borough will be part of the final leg of a long journey for a good cause on Thursday.

Holden will join Nutley Mayor Joanne Cocchiola, and about 15 other Nutley residents, as two individuals come closer to finishing a nearly 3,000-mile walk.

Rob Bonora and Anthony Greco began walking for their "Coast to Coast for a Cure" campaign on June 1 from San Diego toward Nutley to raise funds for charities Derek's Dreams, Gail's Angels and St. Jude Children's Hospital while also raising awareness about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. The pair have trekked cross-country without a trailer car.

The two have blogged continuously on their website during their journey, and Holden said that they have raised $40,000 so far during the trip.

They will start their final leg on Thursday at 9 a.m., from Morristown and are expected to reach the corner of Park and Ridgedale avenues in Madison at 10:15 a.m. They will then walk to Florham Park on Ridgedale to continue their journey.

Holden expects to meet the two in the borough as they continue toward their final destination. She said she received a call from the Cocchiola's office, alerting her of the cause and event, and she offered to walk with her and the group to the border of Florham Park.

"How can you not want to support this effort?" Holden said.

Holden also said that the walk fits in with the efforts of Madison's own Tie One On campaign and the Thursday Morning Club's similar efforts because Gail's Angels supports breast cancer awareness. October is also breast cancer awareness month.

Bonora and Greco are recent graduates of Montclair Sate University, and wanted to do something to give back before entering their professional lives. On their website, they say while growing up they didn't realize what a blessing it was to be in good health and wanted to give back to those who haven't been as fortunate.

"What these young men have done is just absolutely incredible," Cocchiola said in a statement. "After first speaking to them in early 2010, I thought the journey would be impossible, but they have shown tremendous strength, dedication and perseverance. They represent the best of Nutley."

The two are expected to reach Nutley at 5 p.m., where a welcome-home celebration is planned on Franklin Avenue, between Church and Chestnut streets. Those wishing to see them arrive are encouraged to begin lining the area at 4 p.m.

Those wishing to make donations can do so here.

Donations to support Derek's Dreams, Gail's Angels and St. Jude Children's Hospital will also be accepted during the welcome-home event in Nutley.