Pictured above: A group photo of this year’s participants at Tumor Trot 2024.
Marin and her family’s life changed when she was diagnosed with a low-grade glioma the size of a tennis ball. Fortunately, surgeons successfully removed the tumor, and Marin did not experience any other major side effects. Although recent scans revealed that the tumor has regrown, Marin continues to enjoy doing the things she loves from competitive volleyball to being the lead singer in a rock band.
Marin’s family feels lucky that she continues to live symptom-free and has been inspired by her journey to help other children facing more aggressive brain tumors through Tumor Trot. This year, at the second annual Tumor Trot, 170 compassionate individuals came together to show their support for Marin, her family, and countless others facing pediatric brain tumors nationwide. Thanks to the combined efforts of participants, sponsors, and heartfelt supporters, this year’s Tumor Trot raised an incredible $17,000 to further pediatric brain tumor research and support families facing this life-changing disease.
Tumor Trot was more than just a race; it demonstrated what can be achieved when a community comes together for a powerful cause. Marin’s parents amplified fundraising efforts by donating $1 for every lap run and attendees had the chance to purchase custom t-shirts hats, and more, with all proceeds benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
You can join Marin’s family in making a difference for children with brain cancer by organizing your own fundraiser to raise awareness about childhood brain cancer and raise funds with your local community. Whether you plan a run of your own or a larger event, every action contributes to a brighter future for families across the country.
Learn more about hosting your own fundraiser through PBTF’s Do-It-Yourself fundraising program at https://curethekids.org/get-involved/be-a-fundraiser/.
Alyssa was a bright and energetic child, excited to start sixth grade. She had just switched schools, and the upcoming year held the promise of new friendships and opportunities. But soon, Alyssa's journey took an unexpected and heart-wrenching turn.
On March 7, 2023, 2-year-old Trey was rushed to the ER with excessive vomiting and extreme fatigue. “That’s what drove us to the emergency room that night,” explains Trey’s mother, Ebony. “But we had no idea the magnitude of the diagnosis [we would receive].”
On January 25 of this year, two-year-old Ian’s mom, Yaimary, noticed her son walking with his head consistently tilted at an odd angle. Concerned, she scheduled an appointment with his pediatrician that same day. After a thorough examination, the pediatrician sent Ian and his mom directly to the emergency room where a CT scan revealed a mass at the back of the child’s head.
“This report lays groundwork to improve the experience of people living with this disease,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s chief medical correspondent, one of the country’s leading neurosurgeons, and a member of PBTF’s Board of Directors. “I believe it shines a much-needed spotlight on the wide-ranging and extensive challenges that this type of tumor causes for patients and their families, and I am hopeful that this moment is a significant milestone for this community.”
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation today announced the appointment of Ursula Burns and Jordan Wertlieb as inaugural members of the organization’s new Advisory Board. Burns and Wertlieb offer their exceptional business acumen and experience to PBTF, the largest patient advocacy funder of pediatric brain tumor research.
