Smashing Walnuts Foundation Announces: U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) Scheduled to Give Opening Remarks at Saturday's Walk-A-Thon
Leesburg, VA (PRWEB) May 07, 2015 -- Smashing Walnuts Foundation announces that U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) will give the opening remarks at the Smashing Walnuts Foundation’s 3rd annual ‘Walkin’ with Gabriella’ Walk-A-Thon. Rep. Comstock will also have the honor of smashing a walnut as the symbolic starter’s pistol.
Additional VIPs will attend and support the Walk-A-Thon, including Delegate Randy Minchew; Leesburg Mayor, Kristen Umstattd; County Supervisor, Shawn Williams; and Joe Montano, representing U.S. Senator Tim Kaine’s office.
Held on Saturday, May 9 from 9 am to 1 pm at Heritage High School in Leesburg, Virginia, the event promises a morning filled with togetherness, community, walking, food, music, a silent raffle, athletic demonstrations, balloons, crafts, prizes, and more. It’ll be fun for the whole family.
Gabriella Miller was often quoted as saying, “You may have a bad day today, but there’s always a bright shining star to look forward to tomorrow.” Saturday’s Walk-A-Thon will bring the community together in its admirable efforts to crack a cure for childhood cancer.
Sponsors include BlueTreeDigital; Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Leesburg; Environmental Enhancements Landscaping; and Winwood Children's Center, Leesburg.
Proceeds from this event will be dedicated to a grant specifically for childhood brain cancer research through the Smashing Walnuts Foundation. Registration for the event is available online at https://www.crowdrise.com/walkinwithgabriella2015.
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The Smashing Walnuts Story:
Smashing Walnuts Foundation was started by 10-year old Gabriella Miller and her family after Gabriella was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor that was the size of a walnut. Gabriella remained strong and brave as she battled her illness, she would smash walnuts with a frying pan to symbolize "smashing" her tumor.
Gabriella quickly became a global advocate for children with cancer. She raised nearly $300,000 for children's cancer charities before starting the Smashing Walnuts Foundation, a non-profit whose mission is to raise awareness of the prevalence of childhood cancer and to raise funds for childhood brain cancer research. Gabriella co-authored a book about childhood cancer, earned an honorary college degree and received the President's Medal for Outstanding Service in Cancer Awareness from Shenandoah University. She was awarded "Outstanding Volunteer of the Year" and was a sought after motivational speaker. All of this led to Gabriella receiving a Proclamation, for her childhood cancer advocacy work, which was unanimously signed by all 140 delegates of the Virginia General Assembly. Gabriella was featured on CNN, The Today Show and dozens of regional news networks for her advocacy work.
After an 11 1/2 month battle, Gabriella passed away in October of 2013 surrounded by family and friends who promised to continue her work. An interview filmed two weeks before her death, led to her name being added to a Bill, which allocates $126 million for childhood disease research, the "Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act". President Obama signed the Bill into law in April of 2014 with her family at his side. The funds from this Act would go to the Common Fund at the National Institutes of Health.
Ellyn Miller, Smashing Walnuts Foundation, http://www.smashingwalnuts.org/, +1 7036512950, [email protected]
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