Yesterday (October 22, 2022) was a beautiful day to come together as a community to raise funds, awareness and hope for the San Francisco / Bay Area brain tumor community. This was my first 'live' 5K with other families, survivors, and supporters in the brain tumor community. The walk included stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the SF Bay, and upon return, the whole city of San Francisco, including the Palace of Fine Arts just a few blocks away.
This was our first walk to support Head for the Cure. According to the organization's website, Head for the Cure "exists to ignite hope within the brain cancer community while aiming to increase vital clinical research and patient programs." Funds raised benefited the UCSF Brain Tumor Center, as well as other US brain cancer programs.
A few moments stood out to me during the event:
Participants received free t-shirts as part of the walk. As Baur and I went up to register, we noticed that there were different colored shirts. Grey shirts had 'survivor' written on the back. I went to the registration line and said out loud 'I'm a survivor, I'd appreciate a grey shirt, please.' This was a moment of acknowledgment that I have not said often in public and one that I did not take lightly.
During the walk/run, we learned that some teams of individuals were walking or running in honor of loved ones who have passed away from brain cancer. When I saw a large team of individuals who were doing the walk in honor of a loved one who died this year, I couldn't help my eyes from welling up. This walk was profoundly emotional and personal. What a very meaningful way to commemorate the memory and legacy of a loved one.
One of my favorite moments was when I saw my own neuro-oncologist who smiled and waved at me during the event as we passed one other. How amazing and inspiring to me that she participated!
At the end of the event, as we crossed the finish line, everyone applauded one another and we all received medals of completion. There was a palpable sense that we were walking for a cause.
In my view, the event wove together elements of the present, past, and future.
It provided hope and inspiration for the brain cancer community today - those of us living with or touched by brain cancer in some way.
It was to honor those who came before us.
Importantly, funds raised will provide increasingly better chances for long-term survival (and a cure!) for those who will come after us.
Thank you indeed to all of the individuals who are working to defeat brain cancer, step by step.
October 23, 2022
Photo: Stanley and Baur in front of the Golden Gate Bridge before the start of the 'Head for a Cure' Walk, San Francisco, CA
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