(PRWEB) June 17, 2014
Each day, 500 people are diagnosed with a brain tumor. One day two years ago, Holly Remmers’ mother was one of those 500. Her mother was diagnosed with a glioblastoma and lost her battle within a year of diagnosis.
After her mother’s brain tumor diagnosis, Remmers didn't know where to turn or what to do, so she started running as a method to cope with the loss. Now, she’s taking her running to the next level, not only for herself, but for other patients and families who are facing the same diagnosis. She is running the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Team Breakthrough, the American Brain Tumor Association’s endurance program, and is currently the top fundraiser, with more than $2,300 raised so far.
“When I found out my mother was dying of cancer, it seemed like everything was spiraling downhill so fast. After she passed away, I just needed one thing I was able to control,” said Remmers. “There are so many things we can’t control in this world – like a brain tumor diagnosis. Running is the one thing I can make time for, and getting to raise funds for the American Brain Tumor Association while I run makes me feel positive and happy.”
As an official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Partner, Team Breakthrough is bringing together brain tumor patients, survivors, caregivers and friends to run 26.2 miles and raise funds to support the ABTA’s mission – to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending and, ultimately, saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.
The registration deadline is June 20. Marathon participants who register through Team Breakthrough and commit to fundraise on behalf of the ABTA receive their race entry, a comprehensive training plan with Chicago Endurance Sports, a personal Team Breakthrough fundraising web page, personal fundraising support, fundraising rewards, a pre-race pasta party, and race day access for runners and their cheering squads to the ABTA post-party for gear check, refreshments, photo-ops and post-event massages.
Team Breakthrough is the national endurance program for the ABTA and includes half marathons, full marathons and triathlons across the country. For more information, visit http://www.abtateambreakthrough.org, call the ABTA’s Event Line at 800-886-1281 or email events(at)abta(dot)org.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association was first and is now the only national organization committed to funding brain tumor research and providing support and education programs for all tumor types and all age groups. For more information, visit http://www.abta.org or call 800-866-ABTA (2282).