Local Resident Walks to Raise Funds for Brain Tumor Research

A Beverly Hills High School graduate took time out of her Saturday to support a coworker's loved one suffering from a malignant brain tumor.

Resident Amanda Ellis reports her team participating in the National Brain Tumor Society's (NBTS) annual Brain Tumor Walk, being held at Exposition Park in Los Angeles, has already surpassed its fundraising goal. It's her first time volunteering participating in the walk.

Ellis, who worked community relations for the L.A. Kings, said her coworker Lauren Weidmeier's father, Brian, was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) about a year ago.

"As part of the NBTS planning committee, we set a fundraising goal of $200,000 but we’ve been fortunate enough to exceed that goal already," Ellis tells Patch. "I would like to see us get to $300,000 this year."

NBTS, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the brain tumor community in the United States, is committed to finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for people living with a brain tumor. Its annual walk connects brain tumor survivors, patients, family members, caregivers and friends for an inspiring, family-friendly day of fundraising. Participants can choose to walk as individuals, create a new team, or join an existing team.

All proceeds raised from the Walk will go toward funding critical brain tumor research and raising awareness. The 2012 Brain Tumor Walk raised more $275,000 by teams and individuals. Sponsored by City National Bank, the National Brain Tumor Society hopes to raise more at this year’s event.

All event teams are led by a (team) captain who is close to the cause. Friendly competition is encouraged when it comes to fundraising and the winning team is acknowledged after the walk.

"I’m excited to be a part of such a supportive community," Ellis added. "National Brain Tumor Society has been an incredible resource to Lauren and her family and I’m honored to help NBTS raise money so that they can continue to help other families in the same way."

Ellis said NBTS is a community partner with the L.A. Kings, began working with them last season and will be continuing the partnership this season. On Oct., the Kings hosted NBTS in-game, and They had a table on the concourse of Staples Center where they were able to connect with fans, give out promotional materials and spread the word about the walk.

A serious, life-threatening illness, brain tumors don’t discriminate and can affect anyone regardless of race, age, or gender. Brain tumors are often deadly, impact the quality of life, and change everything for patients and their loved ones. With only four (4) FDA-approved treatments, options for patients are limited and advancements toward new therapies are underfunded. Today no cure exists.

For more information on GBM, click here.

Those interested in participating are invited to visit www.braintumorwalk.org/losangeles to register, volunteer, donate, or become an event sponsor.

Individuals looking to support the brain tumor cause and help increase awareness beyond this event can take action by becoming an advocate, making a gift, hosting a community event, or sharing their personal experiences. Learn more at www.braintumor.org/takeaction.