More Than $400,000 Raised at 2nd Annual Brain Tumor Path to Progress

More than 4,000 people, including 200 teams, came together on a beautiful sunny Saturday in April to run or walk, to share their stories, to heighten awareness of brain tumors, and to raise more than $400,000 dollars for brain tumor research!

Des Plaines, IL (PRWEB) May 16, 2007 -- More than 4,000 people, including 200 teams, came together on a beautiful sunny Saturday in April to run or walk, to share their stories, to heighten awareness of brain tumors, and to raise more than $400,000 dollars for brain tumor research! All proceeds will be awarded to brain tumor researchers to develop more effective treatments; to investigate brain tumor cause; and ultimately, to find the cure for all brain tumors.

In addition to the day's physical activities, participants had an opportunity to send a personal message to President Bush, on a 15' banner, supporting the accompanying letter that explains why increased funds are needed for brain tumor research.

By any and all standards, the 2nd Annual Path to Progress 5K Run/Walk at Montrose Harbor was a huge success. "We exceeded all of our goals" said Naomi Berkowitz, Executive Director of the American Brain Tumor Association (www.abta.org) (ABTA).

This patient/survivor, family-friendly event was sponsored by Bally Total Fitness®, Jewel-Osco, New Balance Chicago and HigherEdJobs.com. WGN- TV Anchor, Valerie Warner, was once again the lead walker while WLIT-FM DJ, Beth Reynolds, helped to cheer everyone on while food vendors galore supplied refreshments to a very hungry and deserving crowd.

Medals were awarded to the top runners by age groups and top individual fundraisers won week long trips to Park City, Utah and Venice, Florida via Southwest Airlines.

Plans are already underway for next year's 5K Run/Walk 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, ABTA 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, ABTA (www.abta.org) is a not-for-profit organization serving individuals globally and awarding funds to researchers throughout the United States 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.

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