Q & A with Bob Walsh

Bob Walsh is the founder of the Christina S. Walsh Foundation. The foundation was started in 2004 out of his home. Walsh works full time for the State of NJ, as well as cares for his young daughter. I recently spoke with Walsh about the foundation.

Q: When you first started the Christina S. Walsh Foundation did you ever imagine you would be able to help as many people as you have?

A: The foundation began with $400 that was left over from the assistance that was given to myself and Christina. Christina wanted to take our young daughter to Disney World. While on vacation the breast cancer spread into her lungs. In order to safely return Christina to NJ I had to hire a medical jet. The bill was $11,000 which was not covered by insurance. Our friends and family quickly came to our aid and covered the bill.

Christina lost her battle with breast cancer seven weeks later. Two weeks prior to her passing we discussed passing on the $400 to another patient that was in need of financial assistance. This brief conversation was the genesis of the Foundation. Now 4.5 years later we have raised a considerable amount of money to aide breast cancer patients and their families. To date we have four successful programs and we have not had to say “no” to any patient who has required assistance.

Q: How has your foundation has been able to remain successful throughout these difficult economic times?

A: As corporate sponsorship and support has practically disappeared, we have continued to thrive thanks to the interest and direct support from the general public. A few local businesses have offered their services at cost and/or free of charge. All of the entertainers at each of our events throughout the years have all donated their time and talent. Thanks to everyone’s support our overhead has been less than one percent of our gross income. Even during the stressful financial times we are all experiencing, the general public, family and friends, and all of those people who have had their lives touched by breast cancer realize that we are financially giving aid directly to patients. Our supporters have shown that even a penny donated adds up and can go a very long way.

Q: What events or fundraisers is your foundation currently working on?

A: March 2009 – Pink is going Green. The gold rush is on for breast cancer. The CSW BCF is collecting gold (broken or mismatched jewelry, etc.)
May 3rd , 2009 – Family Fun Day
October 18th, 2009 – Stress Factory Comedy Event
May –October 2009 – Grand Raffle ($5.00 per ticket)
Continuous – Facebook pledge drive

Q: The annual Family Fun Day seems to be a huge fundraiser; can you tell us about this event?

A: On Sunday May 3rd, 2009 at Hightstown High School, The CSWBCF will be hosting the third Annual Family Fun Day and one mile Fun Walk. The event activities include: DJ, dancing, face painting, magician, Mad Science, Princeton School of Rock, games, food, crafters, and much more. The event will feature a one mile fun walk where local families will help bring awareness to breast cancer and the financial burdens experienced by patients and their families.

Q: Where would you like to see your foundation in the future?

A: My hope is that there will not be a need for our Foundation is the near future. At this moment there is still no cure for breast cancer. I realize that because there is no cure, almost every other organization is trying to raise money to help find a cure. Until that day arrives, I hope the CSW BCF will continue to generate support for today’s patients who are suffering financially due to lack of insurance and the toll their disease has taken on their lives.