Events
2026 Inlet Walk for Brain Cancer Research
2026 Inlet Walk Social
Event Description
Saturday September 5, 2026; 8:30 am Walk Start Time at the 28th Street Beach Path
Post Walk Social to be held at the Windrift (79th street); 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
The 2026 Inlet Walk for Brain Cancer Research is a collaboration of the McNichol, Dunhour and Mack families in honor of Dennis J. McNichol III, Fred W. Dunhour III, and Jim J. Mack III. Each of them- a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, old school Avalon guys, and a friend to so many - sadly all of them died from glioblastoma brain cancer in 2025. Glioblastoma is an aggressive and fast-growing type of brain tumor that remains extremely challenging to treat despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Most patients survive less than a year after diagnosis. After the initial diagnosis, Dennis lived for 2 months; Fred lived for 6 months; and Jim lived for 10 months. Each of them had previously led very active, healthy lives.
Thanks to your incredible love and support, last year's inaugural event raised over $50,000. This year, we will come together once again for our annual trek, honoring our dads- the lives they lived and the love we will always carry for them. All funds raised support groundbreaking research led by Dr. Jay Storm and the team at the Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine (D3b) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dr. Storm—Chief of Neurosurgery at CHOP, co-director of D3b, serves as a trusted guide and source of comfort to our families as we continue our battle against glioblastoma and other life changing brain tumors in honor of Dennis, Fred, and Jim. When you’re fighting for your life against glioblastoma, it can feel like so much is happening to you—and to your family—beyond anyone's control. The Inlet Walk allows our families to continue our battle against brain cancer while also championing each of our dads’ fighting spirits.
Your support helps advance bold, collaborative science and brings hope to families facing brain cancer. The Inlet Walk is partnered with the Dragon Master Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit supporting brain cancer patients and their families by advancing research through data sharing and innovation. Dragon Master was founded by the family of David Pearson who was just 16 when he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
All participation is welcome! Join us for the entire trek, part of the walk, or for the 11:00 am social at the Windrift where we will celebrate Dennis, Fred, Jim, David, and D3b. We will gather in friendship and love to toast, laugh, and likely cry...
We invite you to walk with us or donate to support the walkers.
With love and gratitude,
the McNichol, Dunhour, and Mack Families
In April, the families visited Dr. Storm and the team to tour the D3b lab and see firsthand how funds raised are supporting brain cancer research worldwide. Pictured above from left, Janice Dunhour, Ann McNichol, Dr. Jay Storm, and Deb Kurucz Mack.
About D3B:
D3b is a leader in brain tumor research, using technology, data, and collaboration to drive precision medicine—an approach that helps doctors tailor treatment to each patient. The team leads local, national, and international efforts to unite biospecimens, medical records, imaging, and genetic information from thousands of patients. By analyzing these rich datasets, D3b works to uncover safer, more effective treatments—especially for children, who urgently need better options with fewer long-term side effects.
Proceeds from the walk will support D3b’s full range of research efforts, including their leadership of two collaborative brain tumor research initiatives: the Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN), a global effort to accelerate research and treatment for pediatric brain tumors, and the Philadelphia Coalition for a Cure (PC4C), a local collaboration connecting hospitals and researchers across the region to share data and work together—bridging pediatric and adult research to benefit patients of all ages.
Cancer is the real competition—not fellow medical researchers. For too long, scientific research has been conducted in silos, with limited sharing between teams. D3b is leading the way in transforming how research is done by fostering collaboration, not competition, among scientific communities worldwide.
2025 INAUGURAL INLET WALK PARTCIPANTS
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: We welcome the support of you and your organization at our 2nd annual event at the sponsor level. Various levels of support are available. Reach out to any family member for additional information or contact us via email at bsemcnshop@gmail.com
View Sponsorship Opportunities for the 2026 Inlet Walk for Brain Cancer Research
Contact Form
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Event Location
28th Street Boardwalk Beach Path Avalon NJ
Walk Starting Line- 28th Street Boardwalk Beach Path, Avalon NJ ; Finish Line: Hereford Inlet at Stone Harbor Point or Windrift Beach at 79th Street
Avalon, NJ 08202 US
View Location on Map
