National Brain Tumor Society's 9th Annual Southern California Brain Tumor Walk Raising Essential Funds for Brain Tumor Research

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA, September 21, 2010 (Press-News.org) Personal stories last year of Senator Kennedy and American Idol winner David Cook's brother have been heard around the nation. It's time to give a voice to the people in your community who have lost a loved one and need help today. Southern California unites to fight brain tumors on Saturday, October 16, 2010. Over 1000 participants will gather for a 5K walk through scenic Huntington Central Park to raise awareness and essential funds at the National Brain Tumor Society's Southern California Brain Tumor Walk (www.SoCalWalk.org).

In 1995, a motivated brain tumor survivor named Chris Kuchera Hemker organized a small fundraising event on Angel Island. The event was simply called The Angel Island Adventure. Although Chris succumbed to complications from her tumor in 1996, her vision and passion to help find a cure for brain tumors live on. Now called Brain Tumor Walk, the event has grown into a far-reaching national program taking place in eight cities around the country.

This year marks the 9th anniversary of the Southern California Brain Tumor Walk. Last year, participants helped raise more than $150,000 to fund innovative research for brain tumor treatments and support services for brain tumor patients and their families. Each year, more than 210,000 adults and children in the United States are diagnosed with a brain tumor. Brain tumors are the leading cause of solid tumor cancer death in children under age 20 and the second leading cause of cancer death in young adults age 20 to 39.

"The Southern California Brain Tumor Walk is a chance for the entire community to come together and support the fight against brain tumors," said N. Paul TonThat, Executive Director of National Brain Tumor Society. "Donations from the Brain Tumor Walk enable us to fund innovative research and support for those already coping with a brain tumor diagnosis. The Walk also raises awareness that brain tumors can strike anyone, and there is still no cure."

Activities include an opening program, followed by a 5K walk through beautiful and scenic Huntington Central Park. Families, friends, and co-workers will rally together to participate in this fundraising walk and community day including food, music, prizes, and more. Proceeds support research and patient services at the National Brain Tumor Society.

National Brain Tumor Society is a nonprofit organization inspiring hope and providing leadership within the brain tumor community. We exist to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by brain tumors. We fund strategic research, deliver support services, and promote collaboration. In 2009, NBTS funded more than $3.5 million to brain tumor research across North America.

Learn about our latest advocacy efforts, comprehensive online community, targeted adult and pediatric brain tumor research programs, and more at http://www.braintumor.org.

***
Event details:

Who:
National Brain Tumor Society, East Coast Office, 124 Watertown Street, Suite 2D, Watertown, MA 02472

What:
9th Annual Southern California Brain Tumor Walk

Where:
Huntington Central Park, 6699 Central Park Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

When:
Saturday, October 16, 2010; registration 9-10 AM; program & activities 10 AM - 2 PM.

Fees:
$50 for adults; $25 for ages 6-17; free for ages 5 & under. Fee includes food, beverages, and full access to event activities. Pre-register to receive an event t-shirt.

Description:
The Southern California Brain Tumor Walk is an inspirational, all-ages fundraising walk and community day to support the brain tumor cause. Form a team of family, friends or co-workers and help make a difference in the fight against brain tumors! Optional 5K walk (wheelchair & stroller accessible) with food, music, prizes and more! For information and to register online, visit http://www.SoCalWalk.org or call toll-free at 1-866-455-3214.

National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is a registered 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization that brings together the best in brain tumor research and supportive patient services.