By Megan Sullivan
Staff Writer
People from the south bay and around the state gathered at Dockweiler State Beach on Nov. 8 to and raised $8,500 for Los Angeles Brain Tumor research at the 8th Annual Heroes of Hope 5k and 10k race.
The race was started eight years ago by Lisa Millar and the Brad Kaminsky Foundation that initially organized it in honor of those lost to brain cancer. The foundation raises money for an experimental vaccine for brain cancer and to fund research.
“I love bringing together a crowd of people who all share a similar story although they may be suffering in a different way,” Millar said. “They all share the same struggle and it’s amazing to see people be emotionally inspired.”
Millar opened the event to the attendees by explaining the purpose, to raise money for brain cancer research. Following her speech, “iDance4aCure,” a children’s dance company that travels around the state raising money for brain tumor research, performed for the crowd.
“The energy of the whole event was just so positive and the dancers did a great job of waking everyone up,” Participant Sophie Nelson said. “It was an awesome environment to be around because everyone was so encouraging.”
The parking lot was filled with various tents and booths from sponsors of the event such as “Neuro,” a company that produces drinks that regulate brain control, and “20 poems 20 Paintings,” a kickstarter that empowers brain cancer patients to express their emotions through art.
“My favorite part of the event is that it brings everyone together through the different groups of people there,” Grey Ribbon Club president and sophomore Lily Raffety said. “There’s a feeling of positive energy between survivors, fighters, caregivers and supporters, which is awesome.”
The Grey Ribbon club is a new club at Costa, started this year by Raffety who decided to create the club after she lost her grandfather to brain cancer. Raffety, along with members of her club, attended the race to support those who have been affected by the disease.
“The most rewarding part is being able to see how much money the walk raised for such an important cause,” Raffety said. “It really makes you realize how little things can make a big difference.”
The money raised was donated to the Los Angeles Brain Tumor Research and will go towards funding research for brain cancer. As well as paying the general registration fee for the event, many participants gave additional donations to the cause.
“This event doesn’t always make more money than it did the year before, so it’s very emotional because we always want to make a profit, but we try and remember that every dollar we make is one dollar more than we had yesterday,” Millar said.
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