Hope. Inspiration. Joy. Connection.
If there were four words I could use to describe this year’s Fast Track to a Cure Bay Area 5K, those are the ones that I would pick. On September 21, 2024, 150 individuals gathered in person, and many more virtually around the world - as near and far as locations in California, Virginia, Washington, D.C., New York, France, and Canada. We walked, we ran, we laughed, and we raised funds to support Oligo Nation’s quest for more effective treatments and a cure to oligodendroglioma.
This year’s walk involved multiple families and friends affected by brain cancer. Our community of support is growing. I was incredibly touched that relatives from both sides of the family came to the walk this year, including three dear cousins from Michigan who totally surprised me with their flight in - thank you Elizabeth, Audrey and Katrina! I appreciated that my Uncle Mike came for the second year from Arizona to support the walk along with my parents. My aunt and uncle Alberta and Kuljit participated in person, along with many members of the Singh family. Peter and Kelsey walked with us from New York this year. My sister Monyca and nieces completed the first virtual walk from Santa Barbara. As Elizabeth served as our stellar photographer this year, Baur had the chance to run and walk with friends and co-workers. Jared and Alan did such a wonderful job as DJ, MC, and prize announcers!
We had so many volunteers this year, both Currier family friends (thank you, Maria Christina and Karina!) as well as members of the Richmond community and other Bay Area families affected by oligo. My sisters, Baur, Alan, Adriel, and my mom helped with spreading the word at our local farmer’s market. And so many sponsors behind the amazing giveaways as well! Our friends in the Bay Area Lithuanian-American community drove significant distances to come walk in person, as did so many participants. So kind! My parents’ former colleagues and friends walked, my sisters’ and Baur’s colleagues and friends walked, my friends in the yoga community locally and globally walked and ran.
Amidst the blur of the day, I most appreciated seeing smiles on people’s faces as they enjoyed the music, the refreshments, walking and running, and chatting with one another. I loved seeing dogs crossing the finish line with their human families. I loved seeing kids (and several babies and toddlers!) participate. It was so meaningful to talk to other survivors throughout the event. And how special to receive texts from dear friends as they sent their wishes throughout the day from around the U.S. and globe. Thank you!
It is incredibly humbling that so many people came together to support me, my family, and other families affected by brain cancer. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for your contributions to this cause in so many different ways. And special thanks to my sister Detta, who truly orchestrated the entire walk this year, along with our friend Adriel as well. Such a volunteer-driven effort took so much work behind the scenes, and they both did it with such grace.
I am truly grateful, truly touched, and truly blessed to live with such support, friendship and love. Thank you!
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