Victory in Florida: Over $100,000 raised for Florida-based brain cancer research

Guest blogger Danielle Rosenzweig is the Director of Events for Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2).

On Saturday, March 27th more than 500 walkers, runners, volunteers and supporters came out to John Prince Park to help raise funds and awareness for brain cancer research by participating in the Florida Brain Cancer Walk. We couldn’t have asked for a better day; the clear skies and 70 degree weather added to the amazing energy and excitement felt by all participants!

While everyone agreed that Walk Day had something for everyone, the highlight was definitely the Wall of Hope and Survivors' Tribute. These moving tributes allowed all those in attendance to celebrate and remember their loved ones in a supportive and inspiring environment. Throughout the entire event, I was able to witness strangers becoming friends and an important community forming.  As I watched the smiling faces of all our survivors I was reminded of why we worked so hard to make this event happen. I know that the courage and determination of the more than 20 survivors on-site energized the entire crowd and sent a strong message…we are here to fight for a cure! Photos from Walk Day can be viewed here.

Our ABC2 team couldn’t be prouder of what we were able to accomplish with the help of our local volunteers and supporters. "The turn-out and support shown by Palm Beach County was inspiring,” said Max Wallace, CEO of Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. “The awareness and the funds raised on Walk Day by the survivors, friends, family members and volunteers will inspire the hope and the research needed to find a cure for brain cancer and continue the momentum towards creating a world-class research hub in Florida."

The funds raised will be directed to Florida-based brain cancer research projects and collaborations at institutions such as The McKnight Brain Cancer Institute of University of Florida, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute and Scripps Florida, The Scripps Research Institute.

While we have already reached amazing fundraising milestones, there is still time to go even farther! Online donations can be made through the event’s website until April 30, 2010. Thank you again to everyone who supported us in this first year, and we look forward to the 2011 Florida Brain Cancer Walk. This year's event began an important tradition that we hope will continue for many years!