Race for Hope DC Celebrates 15 Years Of Running For Brain Tumor Research

WASHINGTON, D.C.−Today the 15^th Annual Race for Hope – DC, presented by Cassidy Turley celebrated an important milestone in the fight against brain tumors, with over 12,000 people participating and raising more than $2.5 million benefiting the National Brain Tumor Society and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. These organizations, as well as all of the participants, survivors, volunteers and members share the hope for a day when brain tumors are a manageable disease and there is ultimately a cure.

“The Race for Hope is an incredible demonstration of spirit and resolve for those dedicated in the fight against brain tumor. Our efforts honor the memories of those who have lost their battle with brain tumor, as well survivors and family members who continue to stand up to the disease,” said David Cook, previous American Idol® winner and Honorary Chair of the Race for Hope. “I am so honored to serve as Honorary Chair again this year and thrilled that the Race for Hope has achieved this important milestone of 15 years running to raise awareness for brain tumor research and help find an eventual cure.”

The $2.5 million raised will help the National Brain Tumor Society drive strategic research, advocate for public policies that meet the critical needs of the brain tumor community, and provide trusted patient information, and help Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure fund novel translational research and investments in early-stage biotechnology companies to hasten the discovery of a cure for brain cancer.

This year’s Rabbi Joseph P. Weinberg Triumph of Spirit Award recipient is Zach Lederer, a University of Maryland, College Park freshman who gained notoriety for his defiant pose following recent brain tumor surgery. Zach’s determination has inspired people across the country, including Adam Sandler, Ray Romano and Lil Wayne to take their own photo “Zaching” and share their strength against cancer.

“I am honored to receive the Triumph of Spirit Award and I hope that my pose inspires others to fight whatever is in their way – whether it is cancer or another obstacle,” said Zach Lederer. “I am overwhelmed by the amount of support from people across the country and here in DC at the Race for Hope who have all joined together to show their determination.”

Highlights of the 15^th anniversary Race for Hope-DCinclude a Participant Spotlight featuring committed individuals that have been part of the organization since its inception. The Race for Hope is the culmination of a weekend of activities that also featured a Golf for Hope tournament at Blue Mash Golf Course and a Night of Hope at the State Theater starring David Cook. These activities provide family and friends who have lost loved ones with an opportunity to celebrate their lives and provide support for each other.

Since the Race for Hope- DC started 15 years ago, the event has raised more than $17.5 million for brain tumor research and support for those affected by the disease. Each year, the Race for Hope – DC helps to bring hope and attention to the often underserved brain tumor community. The need to increase research funding is more urgent than ever – there are currently over 600,000 people living with a primary brain tumor diagnosis in the U.S. and within the next 12 months, more than 210,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor.

About the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS)

 National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is fiercely committed to finding a cure for brain tumors.  We aggressively drive strategic research, advocate for public policies that meet the critical needs of the brain tumor community, and provide patient information. National Brain Tumor Society is the largest brain tumor nonprofit organization in the country, hosting events, workshops and scientific symposiums throughout the United States.  For more information, visit www.braintumor.org.

About Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC²)

Accelerate Brain Cancer Cureis focused on speeding the discovery of a cure for brain cancer.  By applying an aggressive, venture funding approach not typically seen in the nonprofit sector, ABC² closes current gaps in funding in order to catalyze research and rapidly bring new therapies to patients.  ABC² brings together scientists from leading research institutions and companies to drive collaboration and invest in projects, which demonstrate leadership, leverage, and impact.  For more information, visit www.abc2.org.

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