8-Year Old Brain Cancer Survivor and Event Ambassador Blake Appleton Walks Miles For Hope to raise awareness and funding for Brain Tumor research

CLEARWATER, FL, January 25, 2012 (Press-News.org) 8 year old Orlando Resident Blake Appleton has been named Event Ambassador for the 2nd annual Moving Towards a Cure 5K Run/Walk in Orlando, which will be held on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 at 9 am at Harbor Park at Lake Baldwin in Orlando, FL. The funds raised will be used to support Brain Tumor research and provide medically needy travel assistance to qualified Brain Tumor patients.

Blake is a Brain Tumor survivor; therefore his involvement with this event is a personal one. Blake was diagnosed with brain cancer in January 2008 and given a 10% chance of survival, with a 60% chance of recurrence. After extensive chemotherapy, Blake beat the odds and the cancer went into remission. A routine checkup in December 2009 showed normal blood work. However, a follow up MRI showed the cancer had returned. While Blake's cancer does not have a definite diagnosis, it has characteristics of three of the most deadly forms of brain cancer: AT/RT-Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor, Anaplastic Large Cell Medulloblastoma, and Anaplastic Large Cell Medullomyoblastoma.

Much like Blake's contagious personality, the cancer has continued to spread through his small body. Now in his spinal column, Blake has undergone more than 8 surgeries, 3 stem cell transplants, 30 rounds of radiation, and 40 rounds of chemotherapy. Though his cancer went back into remission in June 2011, it returned again in October 2011. Because Blake's cancer is considered immeasurable, he does not qualify for most of the clinical trials that are currently available. After undergoing two years of aggressive treatments, in November 2011 Blake decided to forgo any further treatments and has been given a prognosis of approximately six (6) months. Now his mother Miranda Appleton says that rather than focusing on the quantity of life, the family is focusing on the quality of life by doing everything they can possibly do with Blake while they still can.

Miles for Hope chose Blake as the Event Ambassador to honor him, his strength, and his effort in the fight against this disease. Blake's story is one of strength but further illustrates the 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 the leading cause of solid tumor cancer deaths in children 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: "Countless 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 event will be held on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 at 9 am at Harbor Park at Lake Baldwin, 4982 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814. Over 500 participants are expected to attend the event.

The 5K family friendly event is open to all ages. Online registration is encouraged at http://www.BrainTumorEvents.org/Orlando2012. Same-day registration opens at 8 am, event begins at 9 am. Registration for adults is $20. After January 28th, 2012, fee goes up $5. 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/Orlando2012 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.