On your mark, get set, go!

It was an overcast morning in Chicago, but, despite this, it was great weather for the American Brain Tumor Association's 5th annual Path to Progress 5K walk/strut/run.

I met some survivors and caregivers with amazing stories as well as family and friends of those that have lost their battle. Also, after a few years of communicating primarily through YASG, a message board for brain cancer . . . specifically glioblastoma multiforme (also known as GBM IV or Stage 4), and now Facebook, I met two ladies from Texas and Virginia that lost their husbands and another lady from Iowa that lost her sister. We actually spent the afternoon and evening together which was a time of tears and laughter. No one understands the trial of brain cancer and the grief of losing someone to it like those who have traveled the same road, so it was a healthy part of our healing process.

This year's event was the largest and most successful yet with over 6,000 runners, strutters and walkers, volunteers and supporters raising over $750,000 for research to treat, prevent and cure brain tumors. My team, Hearts for Heads, contributed over $3,600.

God blessed this event and me in many ways and it was a privilege to participate in such a worthy cause. Thank you to those of you that participated with me by running, strutting or walking, donating and praying. I look forward to doing this in memory of Kent and others again next year!