Perfect day for a 5K

April 6 was a day filled with stories, memories, hope and tears for all those who participated in the Miles for Hope/Moving toward a Cure 5K run/walk in at Sloan’s Lake Park in Denver.

The day was sunny and pleasantly warm. It was a perfect day to participate in a 5K.

The event raised $64,123 (donations are still arriving) with 940 participants, volunteers and fund raisers.

Proceeds from the event go to benefit brain tumor research and the Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Inspiring brain tumor survivor’s stories were heard and memories were shared of those who have lost their battle with brain cancer. Tears flowed from many participants’ eyes; even those who weren’t directly affected or knew anyone who was affected by brain tumors or brain cancer.

With enough research about brain tumors and brain cancer, there is hope that one day the survival rate will be higher from more effective and safer treatments. That is why it is important to raise awareness about the medical condition and it’s important to participate in events like the Miles for Hope 5K.

Dozens of teams made up the number of participants in the 5K in addition to individuals. I joined the “Walking with Dalton” team after a celebrity made a post on Facebook about Dalton’s page. I was immediately taken by Dalton’s spirit and enthusiasm for life.

Dalton was first diagnosed with brain cancer, an anaplastic medduloblastoma in his cerebellum, at the age of 17. After surgery and intense treatments of radiation and chemo, he went into remission.

While Dalton was in remission, he enjoyed activities with his family and friends and even got a job as he readied for college.

Dalton was the ambassador for the Denver Miles for Hope in 2012.

In January of this year, an MRI revealed that tumors had returned, and the news was grim. Dalton made a bucket list, and strived to check off as many things as possible.

When I heard the news that Dalton had lost his battle with brain cancer on March 29, I was saddened to tears. The world lost a bright, charming and inspiring 19-year-old that day. I really wanted to meet Dalton at the Miles for Hope in Denver.

Miles for Hope was my first 5K. I was nervous and excited. When I arrived at Sloan’s Lake Park, I searched for my team, none of whom I had ever met. When I found them, they welcomed me with open arms.

The “Walking for Dalton” team was made up of Dalton’s family and friends, which included his mother, siblings and aunts.

I also walked in honor of one of my long-time friends who has a brain tumor and fears having the surgery to remove it.

The event DJ was DJ Ritz from Cracker Studios. The national anthem soloist was Erin Grimm and entertainment was provided by Club USA Dance.

There were many individuals who volunteered along with volunteer groups from Crusaders Equestrian Team, Gap Clothing Store and Boys and Girls Club.

Sponsors included ABC 7 News, Namaste Hospice, Towne Place Suites Marriott, Burleson Attorneys & Advisors, yelp, Pepsi, Kristos Olive Oil, Herrada Printing, GB Fish and Chips, Sprouts Farmer’s Market, ABC Supply, APCO Insurance, Denver Sherriff’s Department and Hayward Baker.

Miles for Hope organization is currently funding a project for expanding a brain tumor vaccine trial to include Grade II brain tumor patients as well as pediatric patients. The brain tumor vaccine is designed to trigger the immune system to kill off any residual tumor cells remaining from surgery and chemo.

So far, the results of the initial trials of the vaccine have extended the survival rate of this disease by more than three times the normal survival rate.

Miles For Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, funding of cutting edge brain tumor research and clinical trials and to providing travel assistance to qualified patients. Through their work, they intend on finding not only treatments that provide a better quality of life for those suffering with brain tumors, but to find a cure for it.