Compete to Defeat Brain Tumors

The Compete to Defeat Brain Tumors 5K Run/Walk aims to advance research for better treatments and a cure while honoring those affected. Inspired by my parents’ battles with brain tumors, we created this event to drive change and raise awareness. After covering race cost, all proceeds go to the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA).

Thanks to last year’s 2024 race and your contributions, we have exciting news! In 2024, the American Brain Tumor Association awarded more than $1.1 million across 24 new research projects and launched a financial assistance program to support brain tumor patients facing significant financial burdens. In August, 2024, a new treatment called vorasidenib was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people with low-grade gliomas —the first major advancement in low grade glioma brain tumors in 20 years!!! THIS IS BIG and shows the power of early-stage research and the dedication of researchers and supporters alike.  The ABTA funded a research project in 2007, that helped lead to this new breakthrough. Your support makes achievements like these possible!

In 2010, Patrick was diagnosed with a right frontal lobe meningioma, causing headaches, fatigue, and left-sided weakness. He underwent a craniotomy and gamma knife radiation, recovering well but facing a recurrence in 2016 treated with gamma knife again. He passed away on April 8, 2023, at 63. A hardworking father and oil & gas professional for 30 years, Patrick retired in 2020 and loved the outdoors, tinkering, and sharing his humor.

In 2021, Marcy began experiencing auditory changes and left-sided pain, leading to an ER visit where a CT scan revealed a right temporal lobe lesion. Following a seizure and brain swelling, a craniotomy confirmed Glioblastoma Multiforme. She underwent 30 rounds of radiation and Temodar treatment but passed away on June 8, 2023, at 54. Marcy was warm, fun-loving, and took great pride in her role as a home care scheduler coordinator at Ascension Via Christi Hope in Wichita, KS.