Race for Grace may top $2M in cancer fundraising
A few thousand runners and walkers are expected to turn out April 5 at Norwin High School for the 17th annual Race for Grace, which is expected to top $2 million in total funds raised this year.
The event raises money for families and children battling pediatric brain cancer and supports research on a fast-growing incurable type of brain cancer.
The event is held in memory of Grace Ekis, a 5-year-old girl who lost her battle with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma on Feb. 14, 2008.
“The race is a chance to come together to raise critical funds and awareness for childhood brain cancer. The monies raised have allowed us to aid families across the country and fund innovative pediatric brain cancer research across the world,” said Tamara Ekis, Grace’s mother and Reflections of Grace Foundation president. The foundation seeks to raise awareness of all types of pediatric brain tumors, with particular focus on DIPG or brain stem gliomas.
The 16 previous races around the Norwin campus in North Huntingdon have raised $1.94 million. Race organizers have set a goal of raising $170,000 this year, which would mean their efforts will have topped $2 million.
The Race For Grace is the largest fundraiser for the foundation, which has provided $900,000 to 616 families of children across the country who were battling brain cancer. The foundation also awarded $815,000 to fund crucial research grants through the DIPG/DMG Collaborative, with the hope of discovering a cure. Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas are dangerous, in part, because the malignant cells are inside the brain stem that controls blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.
Activities, registration for the race and walk and a food concession open at 7 a.m. and the race around the high school campus will start at 9 a.m. Following the race, there will be indoor activities such as games, dance performances, a basket raffle, silent auction, and charitable hair donations. The event is scheduled to end about 1 p.m.
Participants can register online at reflectionsofgrace.org and sign up for the 5K run, 5K walk or 1 mile fun walk. Those who do not want to run can register as a participant or walk or register as a virtual participant if unable to attend.
For more information, visit reflectionsofgrace.org.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
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