7-Year Old Brain Tumor Survivor and Event Ambassador Chase Breneman Walks Miles for Hope to Raise Funds for Brain Tumor Research

CLEARWATER, FL, December 22, 2011 (Press-News.org) Seven year old Cape Coral Resident Chase Breneman has been named Event Ambassador for the inaugural Moving Towards a Cure 5K Run/Walk in Fort Myers, which will be held on Saturday, January 7th, 2012 at 9 am at Lakes Park in Fort Myers, FL. The funds raised will be used to support Brain Tumor research and provide medically needy travel assistance to qualified Brain Tumor patients. Chase is a Brain Tumor survivor; therefore his involvement with this event is a personal one.

Chase was diagnosed with a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) tumor in the spring of 2010, which was removed during a 9-hour surgery in April 2010. He spent three weeks in the ICU recovering from the surgery. Fortunately the tumor was benign, but it did affect Chase's mobility on the right side of his body. Though no radiation or chemotherapy was needed, Chase did require physical and occupational therapy to help restore the use of his right side. Thankfully Chase is recovering remarkably well. He will require bi-annual MRIs for the next ten years to monitor his condition.

Because of their own personal connection to this disease, Chase and his mother Lisa Breneman wanted to be involved and have formed a team "Chase Me if You Can" to walk in the upcoming event. They have already gathered more than a dozen supporters to walk in honor of Chase and his battle against brain tumors. The event will be held on Saturday, January 7th, 2012 at 9 am at Lakes Park in Fort Myers, FL. Several local area brain cancer survivors, their families and other supporters are expected to participate in the event.

Chase's story is one of survival and recovery, giving hope to other brain tumor survivors. Unfortunately that is not always the case and there is a critical need for brain tumor research because 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 people under the age of 20.

After the recent passing of co-Founder Robert Gibbs, who fought a seven-year battle with brain cancer, his wife Barb stated: "Thousands of people in the U.S. have already lost their battle against this disease, and hundreds of thousands more are still fighting. Now more than ever, we are dedicated to raising awareness and funding for desperately needed research in Moving Towards a Cure for Brain Tumors, so that other people and their families do not have to continue to suffer from this devastating disease."

The 5K event is open to all ages. Online registration is encouraged at http://www.BrainTumorEvents.org/FortMyers. Same-day registration opens at 9 am, event begins at 10 am. Registration for adults is $25. Registration is free for children under 6 years. Participants can walk/run individually or form a team. Volunteers are welcome. Awards ceremony to follow the race and includes a post-event celebration to remember those battling Brain Tumors, as well as those who lost their battle. Parking is available on site for all registered participants and volunteers. For more information, please visit the website, http://www.BrainTumorEvents.org/FortMyers 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.