The First Annual Walk

The first Annual Walk to End Brain Cancer is now a memory.  I woke up Sunday at 5:30 A.M., got dressed, checked to see if I hadn't forgotten anything and off we went to the park.  It was a beautiful sunny day, something we hadn't seen much of lately.  We had to be there early to get everything set up.  When we pulled in my son and granddaughter was already there.  As I walked over to the pavilion my granddaughter said, "Granny, why do you have on  two different shoes?"  Looking down I saw I did have two very different sneakers on.  Denise was quite a prankster and loved a good joke so I am sure she had something to do with this situation, maybe letting me know she was present.  If that was the case I have no problem with the shoes, maybe I will make it a fashion statement for future walks.  Everything was in order when people started to arrive and began to sign in or register.  Before I knew it it was 9:00, everyone had been welcomed, Dr. Okada had spoken to the crowd and the horn was blown to start the walk.  Dr. Leiberman arrived late, so when everyone returned he took the microphone and spoke a few words .  It was now time for the balloon release, each balloon representing a hope and a prayer for a cure for brain cancer.

Organizing this walk was quite a learning experience for me.  Some of the most important things it taught me is how generous, supportive and caring people are.  We had so much fruit and baked goods donated we had people making bags and taking it home.  Anything left we took to the homeless shelter.   When word of the walk got out I had people contacting me wanting to help in anyway they could.  I had people who either had or has a brain tumor contacting me and telling me how glad they were something was finally being done in our state to help raise awareness and funds.  My goal for the first year was $500 and we raised $5850.   I would say the walk was a great success, wouldn't you?  This was only achieved with the help of everyone who supported us in anyway.   To all of those people I have wonderful news.  I found out today the money we raised is enough to fund the supplies needed for one patient to participate in a new vaccine clinical study.   WE MAY HAVE JUST SAVED SOMEONES LIFE.   Maybe next year we can increase that number to two.

Dr. Leiberman and Dr. Okada both said in their remarks what a special person Denise was.  If it wasn't for her this walk probably would not have happened.   I would say that makes her very special indeed!

Thank you for being one of Denise's People.