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Author: eliu
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‘Walk the Camino’ with breast cancer
Special to The Sun
Former Cherry Hill teacher Danielle DiRenzo celebrates her 10-year anniversary of her breast cancer diagnosis by embarking on a 500-mile journey on “El Camino” with Tracy’s Backpack.Earlier this year, in honor of her 10-year anniversary of her diagnosis of breast cancer, retired Cherry Hill teacher Danielle DiRenzo embarked on a journey to walk a 500-mile pilgrimage that began in St. Jean Pied de Port France and that ended at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
She started the walk on April 25 and walked 280 miles over the course of six weeks. Due to health constraints, she finished the journey by bus and completed the expedition on June 4. The trip was made more special by her bringing Tracy’s Backpack along for the ride.
In her research and preparation to walk the Camino, DiRenzo came across Tracy’s story. Tracy Lloyd was a woman from Canada who also had breast cancer and was of similar age at the time she planned to walk the Camino in 2017. She began her journey in spite of the news that the cancer had returned, determined to still do the walk but had to return home for treatment in the middle of her journey. She never got to finish the walk, as she had died shortly after her 50th birthday before being able to return.
Several years after she had passed, her family had posted her story on social media and offered to send the backpack to someone else who would walk the path and finish it.
The first woman Alice was from Canada and received the backpack and completed the trek, leaving Tracy’s photo at the Camino as promised. She had also documented the story online, where it gained more and more traction. Though the original idea was for Alice to keep the bag, she chose to donate it to a woman from Australia to take it on her passage through the Camino. From there, the Australian donated it to a woman named Laura in the U.S., and this is when DiRenzo got involved.
“She was ready to send the backpack on, and I just felt really compelled–I wanted to carry this backpack,” DiRenzo said.
It had been 10 years since her diagnosis, and she had learned in February of this year that she did not have to continue with follow up visits for her cancer. She retired from her 30-year career teaching at Cherry Hill Public Schools in January.
“I don’t post on Facebook much myself but I really thought, I really want to carry this backpack and I’m going to push myself to do something out of my comfort zone, which of course – the Camino in itself is something out of your comfort zone. And it really was special walking with this backpack,” said DiRenzo. “It has a big Canadian flag on the back, so people would stop me and say ‘Oh, where are you from in Canada?’ and I would tell the story of Tracy and the backpack and I made a lot of connections because of it.”
Though DiRenzo had started with the intention of walking all 500 miles, around midway, she had plantar fasciitis and other health issues which prevented her from walking the entire way.
“If I didn’t bring the backpack, I wouldn’t have finished it,” DiRenzo said. “There were so many physical issues, but I felt a sense of responsibility and determination and inspiration from Tracy and everyone following, so I kept going.”
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her life time. Following DiRenzo’s diagnosis, she joined a group for young cancer diagnoses, and she felt very supported by the doctors, nurse and nurse navigator that had worked with her. She shared that it was helpful to know that other people had gone through the same thing.
“It’s a little bit of a wakeup call,” DiRenzo said. ” … I think any kind of serious diagnosis is a wakeup call. Are you doing what you really want to do in life, how do you want to spend your time, who do you want to spend it with? (Hearing about Tracy’s story) moved the Camino up on my list a little bit.”
After completing her journey, she has also designated someone new to carry the backpack next.
“It just was a really special way to honor not just Tracy but all the people we’ve lost to cancer and also celebrate,” DiRenzo said. “It was an honor to carry Tracy’s backpack. I don’t know this woman, never met her, but I’m thankful for her family for sharing her with the Camino community.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Though people may think of breast cancer as a lump, DiRenzo had a calcification that wasn’t something she’d be able to detect on her own. She emphasized the importance of follow up care and adhering to the recommended health screenings, and investigating your options once you are diagnosed.
Special to The Sun
Tracy Lloyd enroute the Camino in 2017. She is survived by her backpack and continues to inspire other breast cancer survivors to walk El Camino.
Special to The Sun
Danielle DiRenzo with Tracy’s Backpack overlooking a river enroute El Camino. -
‘Walk the Camino’ with breast cancer
Special to The Sun
Former Cherry Hill teacher Danielle DiRenzo celebrates her 10-year anniversary of her breast cancer diagnosis by embarking on a 500-mile journey on “El Camino” with Tracy’s Backpack.Earlier this year, in honor of her 10-year anniversary of her diagnosis of breast cancer, retired Cherry Hill teacher Danielle DiRenzo embarked on a journey to walk a 500-mile pilgrimage that began in St. Jean Pied de Port France and that ended at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
She started the walk on April 25 and walked 280 miles over the course of six weeks. Due to health constraints, she finished the journey by bus and completed the expedition on June 4. The trip was made more special by her bringing Tracy’s Backpack along for the ride.
In her research and preparation to walk the Camino, DiRenzo came across Tracy’s story. Tracy Lloyd was a woman from Canada who also had breast cancer and was of similar age at the time she planned to walk the Camino in 2017. She began her journey in spite of the news that the cancer had returned, determined to still do the walk but had to return home for treatment in the middle of her journey. She never got to finish the walk, as she had died shortly after her 50th birthday before being able to return.
Several years after she had passed, her family had posted her story on social media and offered to send the backpack to someone else who would walk the path and finish it.
The first woman Alice was from Canada and received the backpack and completed the trek, leaving Tracy’s photo at the Camino as promised. She had also documented the story online, where it gained more and more traction. Though the original idea was for Alice to keep the bag, she chose to donate it to a woman from Australia to take it on her passage through the Camino. From there, the Australian donated it to a woman named Laura in the U.S., and this is when DiRenzo got involved.
“She was ready to send the backpack on, and I just felt really compelled–I wanted to carry this backpack,” DiRenzo said.
It had been 10 years since her diagnosis, and she had learned in February of this year that she did not have to continue with follow up visits for her cancer. She retired from her 30-year career teaching at Cherry Hill Public Schools in January.
“I don’t post on Facebook much myself but I really thought, I really want to carry this backpack and I’m going to push myself to do something out of my comfort zone, which of course – the Camino in itself is something out of your comfort zone. And it really was special walking with this backpack,” said DiRenzo. “It has a big Canadian flag on the back, so people would stop me and say ‘Oh, where are you from in Canada?’ and I would tell the story of Tracy and the backpack and I made a lot of connections because of it.”
Though DiRenzo had started with the intention of walking all 500 miles, around midway, she had plantar fasciitis and other health issues which prevented her from walking the entire way.
“If I didn’t bring the backpack, I wouldn’t have finished it,” DiRenzo said. “There were so many physical issues, but I felt a sense of responsibility and determination and inspiration from Tracy and everyone following, so I kept going.”
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her life time. Following DiRenzo’s diagnosis, she joined a group for young cancer diagnoses, and she felt very supported by the doctors, nurse and nurse navigator that had worked with her. She shared that it was helpful to know that other people had gone through the same thing.
“It’s a little bit of a wakeup call,” DiRenzo said. ” … I think any kind of serious diagnosis is a wakeup call. Are you doing what you really want to do in life, how do you want to spend your time, who do you want to spend it with? (Hearing about Tracy’s story) moved the Camino up on my list a little bit.”
After completing her journey, she has also designated someone new to carry the backpack next.
“It just was a really special way to honor not just Tracy but all the people we’ve lost to cancer and also celebrate,” DiRenzo said. “It was an honor to carry Tracy’s backpack. I don’t know this woman, never met her, but I’m thankful for her family for sharing her with the Camino community.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Though people may think of breast cancer as a lump, DiRenzo had a calcification that wasn’t something she’d be able to detect on her own. She emphasized the importance of follow up care and adhering to the recommended health screenings, and investigating your options once you are diagnosed.
Special to The Sun
Tracy Lloyd enroute the Camino in 2017. She is survived by her backpack and continues to inspire other breast cancer survivors to walk El Camino.Special to The Sun
Danielle DiRenzo with Tracy’s Backpack overlooking a river enroute El Camino. -
Seven council candidates vie for two seats
Seven candidates – two of which are incumbents – are vying for two seats on the Cherry Hill Township Council in the election, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The following four candidates are vying for one, one-year term on the council listed alphabetically: Anna R. Adler for the Republican Party, incumbent Jill R. Hulnick for the Democratic Party, Mohammed Jawaad Hussain running independently for Advocate for Children and Nicole Nance running independently for Ebony Ivory 1124.
The following three candidates are vying for one, three-year term on the council in alphabetical order: Incumbent Daniel V. Direnzo, Jr. for the Democratic Party, Judi Giacoboni-Russo for the Republican Party, and independent Stephen Heath, Jr. for Ebony Ivory 1124.
All were asked to submit an election questionnaire. As of deadline, Adler, Giacoboni-Russo, and Heath had not responded before press time.
Name: Daniel V. DiRenzo, Jr. (No photo was submitted)
Age: 73
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? 69 years
Family: My family moved to Cherry Hill when I was four years old – almost a life-long resident. I graduated from Cherry Hill High School West and Rutgers University/Camden, and I am proud that my two children also graduated from West! My family is committed to public service. My son is a retired Cherry Hill Fire Department Captain and my daughter has a Master’s degree and teaches in an elementary school in Cherry Hill. My wife Lisa is the Administrative Assistant to the Principal at one of the high schools. You will often see me at interscholastic sporting events cheering on my 4 grandchildren.
School and degree: Rutgers University with a BA in Education. Post graduate, I completed courses in the Rutgers University Edward Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy (Municipal Finance Officer Program) and I understand the New Jersey Uniform Fire Safety Act and Uniform Fire Safety Code.
Profession: Retired Fire Department Captain/Chief Financial Office. Retired Student Support Supervisor at West.
Is this the first time you have run for the seat on the council? Yes. This is my first time running for office. I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Township Council in January 2024 and am currently serving on Council.
What is your involvement in the community?
I have been very active in my neighborhood civic association for many years and have served as Vice President, on the Township Joint Civic Association Board and volunteered side-by-side with my neighbors on park clean-up projects. I served on the Township Zoning Board for 12 years, as well as on the Township-School District-Fire Department-Library Liaison Committee, the Cherry Hill Economic Development Committee, Mayor’s Citizen Advisory Boards and Cherry Hill School District Long Range Facilities Planning Committee.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I have been proud to serve my community as a Council Member, as a volunteer, and as a Fire District Commissioner, and I hope that the community will elect me to serve as Council Member. I am committed to working with everyone in Cherry Hill to make our community the best it can be. I I believe that my long-time commitment to Cherry Hill and experience serving in many different capacities gives me the knowledge and the perspective to serve our community.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
I have been focused on community outreach and engagement-to improve communication with residents and our neighborhoods, and if elected, will continue to listen to residents to make our government better. We need to provide high quality municipal services and public safety initiatives, support our neighborhoods as they represent the heart of the town and bring our residents together with community events such as the Township Independence Day celebration which was on a hiatus for ten years.
Name: Jill Hulnick
Age: 45
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? 10 years
Family: Married to David Hulnick and a 9-year-old son Micah
School and degree: BA in Economics from Tufts University, MBA from Harvard Business School
Profession: Nonprofit Consultant
Is this the first time you have run for the seat on the council? This is my first time running for office, however, I was appointed to township council in January where I have been serving as a councilwoman for the last 9 months.
What is your involvement in the community?
I have been actively involved in the Cherry Hill community in various capacities. For nearly a year, I have served on the Town Council, which has given me a deeper understanding of our community’s needs and the importance of governance in addressing them. I am committed to continuing this work, using my skills and experiences to benefit our town.
Beyond my role on the Council, my family and I are engaged in many local activities. We love cleaning up trails with the Environmental Board, listening to concerts at Barclay Farmstead, participating in Cherry Hill FC soccer matches, exploring the Cherry Hill Public Library, or biking around our neighborhood.
In addition, I am actively involved with the Jewish Federation, where I serve on several committees. This February, my husband and I will once again co-chair the Federation’s Super Sunday and Community Mitzvah Day, a signature event that brings people together to support our community.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
Through my career and volunteer work, I have supported national, statewide, and local organizations. While I’ve contributed to many great causes, I feel the greatest impact when supporting my immediate community. Since joining the Township Council in January, I’ve seen how we can effectively address local challenges alongside community partners. We have secured grants to enhance infrastructure, revived our community fireworks celebration, and resolved thousands of resident issues. I deeply appreciate the trust this community has placed in me and look forward to serving Cherry Hill for years to come.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Customer Service: Cherry Hill Township government’s primary purpose is to serve its residents and neighborhoods effectively and efficiently. As a council member, I will work with the mayor, township officials, fellow council members, and community organizations to enhance communications and responsiveness. This includes building on initiatives like the My Cherry Hill app and expanding our social media outreach.
Name: Mohammed Jawaad Hussain, MD
Age: 41
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? Lived in Cherry Hill nine years
Family: Married, three kids (two middle schoolers, one elementary school)
School and degree: B.A. Biology at Swarthmore College then MD at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn then Pediatric Residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia
Profession: Pediatrician
Is this the first time you have run for the seat on the board of education? First time running for Cherry Hill Township Council.
What is your involvement in the community? I have been working in southern New Jersey as a pediatrician for over 12 years. In recent years, I’ve volunteered as coach and assistant coach at the Cherry Hill Football Club and the New Jersey Flag Football League. Campaign website: VoteMJH.com
Why are you running for an elected seat? My decision to run for Cherry Hill Town Council was inspired by many recent statements by the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy. The Office of the Surgeon General has been sounding the alarms about the mental health crises affecting American families–whether its worsening childhood depression, the epidemic of loneliness, or undue parental stress. To confront these grave problems, we need community solutions. When I look at the current council, it is predominantly staffed by lawyers and businesspeople–there are no healthcare workers. I felt compelled to serve to help our community.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? My duty on the Cherry Hill Township council would be to ensure our community’s health is factored into every decision that is made. As a healthcare worker, I can provide a unique, informed perspective on how any decision made by the council would affect our community’s physical and mental health.
Name: Nicole Nance
Age: 52
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? Four years
School and degree: Bachelors Degree in Biblical Administration – JDT Bible College Training Center
Profession: Clergy and Administration
Is this the first time you have run for the seat on the council? No
What is your involvement in the community? Community Advocate and Community Health Worker
Why are you running for an elected seat? I believe that elected officials should be people who are compelled or called to serve the greater good. I am running to see a recovery and restoring of why government exists. To be a representation of the people, for the people. To be the voice for community members who may not get to be heard any other way. We need to see taxpayer results in our town on the smallest to the largest levels.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? To be more engaging by making sure the ENTIRE town knows and stays updated about what’s going on in our town. By getting their input into some of the daily matters. By making sure that everyone doesn’t just get a “seat at the table” but helping my fellow Cherry Hillians realize – we “own the table” that contributes to the betterment of Cherry Hill.
This article was updated on Tuesday, Oct. 15 to clarify that Jill Hulnick is running with the Democratic Party.