17-Year Old Brain Tumor Survivor and Event Ambassador Chaz Fermin Walks Miles For Hope to raise funds for Brain Tumor research --

CLEARWATER, FL, November 23, 2011 (Press-News.org) Seventeen year old Tampa Resident Chaz Fermin has been named Event Ambassador for the 2nd annual Moving Towards a Cure 5K Run/Walk Tampa, which will be held on Saturday, December 10th, 2011 at 9 am at Al Lopez Park in Tampa, FL. The funds raised will help fund Brain Tumor research and clinical trials, and provide medically needy travel assistance to Brain Tumor patients. Chaz's involvement with this event is a personal one, as he is a Brain Tumor survivor and a living testament to the critical need for Brain Tumor research. Brain Tumors affect over 200,000 people each year; one person every three minutes in the United States. They are also the leading cause of solid tumor cancer deaths in children under the age of 20.

Last summer, Chaz was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor and had surgery to remove the tumor the same day. Though they managed to remove most of the tumor, a part of it remained. On August 31st, 2010, Chaz was diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant Brain Tumor in children. Chaz underwent a second surgery, followed by brain radiation to try to eradicate the remaining tumor. Chaz is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments, scheduled to be completed only weeks prior to this event.

Chaz and his family found Miles For Hope through another Brain Tumor pediatric patient, Alexandria Gunnels, and her mother Erica. Alexandria lost her battle with Brain Cancer in August 2011. In September, Chaz joined Erica and her team of more than 150 of Alexandria's supporters to walk in her honor in the Moving Towards a Cure event in Clearwater. In December, they will join "Team Chaz's Angels", in support of Chaz and in honor of Alexandria and the many others struggling with this devastating disease.

Because of their own personal connection to this disease, Chaz and his parents Eric and Tanya Hardy felt compelled to get involved. Tanya Hardy said they were inspired because "especially after you realize when it does touch your life - beforehand I had no idea the amount of people and children this happens to and the serious lack of funding for Brain Tumor research." Chaz's introduction as the Ambassador of this event will be a celebration of the successful completion of his chemotherapy and an important step in raising awareness for this important cause. The event will be held on Saturday, December 10th, 2011 at 9 am at Al Lopez Park located at 4810 N Himes Avenue in Tampa, FL. Over 800 supporters are expected to participate in the event.

The 5K event is open to all ages. Online registration is encouraged at http://www.BrainTumorEvents.org/Tampa2011. Same-day registration opens at 8 am, event begins at 9 am. Registration for adults is $20. Fee increases $5 after November 25. Registration is free for children under 6 years. Participants can walk/run individually or form a team. Volunteers are welcome. Post-event celebration to follow the race and includes an award presentation to remember those battling Brain Cancer as well as those who lost their battle. Parking is available on site for all supporters. For more information, please visit the website, http://www.BrainTumorEvents.org/Tampa2011 or call 727-781-HOPE (4673).

Miles for Hope, Inc. is a 501 (3) non-profit organization dedicated to funding cutting-edge Brain Tumor research, raising awareness, and providing medically necessary travel assistance to Brain Tumor patients.

Miles for Hope was established by Bob & Barb Gibbs to raise funds for promising brain tumor clinical trials and research. We are dedicated to raising funds to improve current treatments for brain tumors, and to assist brain tumor patients with travel expenses for their treatment.

Our goal at Miles for Hope is to provide a complete source for cutting edge treatment and support for both the patient and care givers. There are many wonderful sources of information on the internet for brain tumors, and our goal is to compile these resources at one location. Here you will find a large support forum full of information, the most current clinical trial information, breaking news regarding brain tumors, and other support and awareness tools for your use in combating and fighting brain tumors.