Luke and I are running for my mom / Nana who passed away from a brain tumor in September 2011. 

 

It’s been a while since I have laced up my running shoes, donned the bright yellow shirt, and run for and with the NJ Brain Tumor Support group. I still vividly remember the first time I spoke to Virginia, who helped start the group. My mom was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, still in the hospital, and as I scoured the internet for resources and information I found this group. Sitting in the stairwell of my office building, I found on the other end of the phone a voice of empathy, a voice of strength and a voice of HOPE. That conversation was over 23 years ago… actually as I write this, it is surreal to believe it has been that long. It is even more surreal to think that it has been 13 years since my mom passed away. Her spirit was bold and her fight both with this disease and life was bold and arduous. I have run many races for this cause and each time I run with a certain and defined intention. I run because I can, for all those that can’t, to give hope to all those still fighting and for a future where no one has to fight this daunting disease. 100% of the funds raised by the CNBTSG goes directly to the fighters and their families, another reason I love this group so much! I have run with this group many times with Ryan, once with Reagan, once with my brother and this year Luke will join in for the final miles. It’s a family affair, and so is brain cancer! In this family no one fights alone!