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(Source: ABTA) What a great day we had! More than 2,300 people came together on that cloudless, sunny May 6th morning to share their stories, to heighten awareness of brain tumors, and to a raise over a quarter million dollars for brain tumor research! By any and all standards, the 1st Annual Path to Progress 5K Walk/Fun Run at Diversey Harbor was a huge success. “It exceeded our wildest expectations” said Naomi Berkowitz, Executive Director of the American Brain Tumor Association.
This patient/survivor, family-friendly event was sponsored by Bally Total Fitness®, Jewel-Osco, Pioneer Press and Kiss FM. WGN- TV’s Valerie Warner was the lead walker while DJ Mel T from KISS FM helped cheer everyone on, while Vienna supplied mini-hot dogs to a very hungry and deserving crowd.
Prizes were awarded to the top individual fundraisers and to the top fundraising team. First place winner, Winifred Heller, won the 7-day trip to Hawaii by raising over $30,000. Second place winner, Tom Schabow, won a 3-day trip to Las Vegas for his parents by bringing in $25,000+. Annette Diaz, third place winner, raised $15,000 and won an entertainment package. The 130 members of Team Heller raised almost $30,000. Southwest Airlines will arrange a celebration party for them.
Plans are already underway for next year’s 5K Walk/Fun Run with the hope of growing the number of participants and raising even more funds for brain tumor research. “Researchers need money to solve the brain tumor problem. We want them in their laboratories, not spending time fundraising; that’s our job”, said John Hipchen, American Brain Tumor Association president. He also reminds everyone that the Association has a team, “Runners Sharing Hope”, in the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Cheer them on as a spectator or with a donation.
Based in Chicago and founded here in 1973 the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is a not-for-profit organization serving individuals globally and awarding funds to researchers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Proceeds from the Brain Tumor Path to Progress will exclusively support their research programs. The American Brain Tumor Association exists to eliminate brain tumors through research and to meet the needs of brain tumor patients and their families. For more information visit www.abta.org or call 847-827-9910.