“I love The Race for Hope for a lot of reasons, especially to be part of this amazing community committed to finding a cure for this awful disease,” said David Cook, previous American Idol® winner and Honorary Chair of the Race for Hope.

“Cassidy Turley became the title sponsor of the Race back in 2000 when my father was diagnosed with a glioblastoma – that year, we raised $175,000,” said James Cassidy,  Cassidy Turley’s Executive Managing Director and Principal.  “We’ve come a long way since then and are thrilled to be a part of the race.  It is extremely gratifying to know that the $2.3 million raised this year will help fund research and treatments that will put us one step closer to a world without brain tumors,” he continued. 

This year’s Rabbi Joseph P. Weinberg Triumph of Spirit Award recipient is BethAnn Telford, a brain cancer survivor, amateur athlete and competitor in the 2012 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.  BethAnn works tirelessly to bring attention to brain tumors and fights for young cancer patients who are battling the disease and are unable to run.

“I am honored to receive the Triumph of Spirit Award,” said BethAnn Telford. “Although I have lost many of my friends to this disease, their struggle and others made it possible to bring Team BT together for the Race for Hope. Brain cancer can be the worst of all cancers striking anyone, but now there is something we can do to help, and real hope on the horizon that this can be cured if we never, never, never, give up.

Highlights of the 16^th anniversary Race for Hope-DC include a Survivor Tribute featuring over 350 brain tumor survivors that marched together towards the start line as a symbol of hope and strength in their battle against brain tumors.  The Race for Hope is the culmination of a weekend of activities that also featured a Golf for Hope tournament at Blue Mash Golf Course and many team-sponsored fundraising parties. These activities provide family and friends who have lost loved ones with an opportunity to celebrate their lives and provide support for each other.

Since the Race for Hope- DC started 16 years ago, the event has raised more than $19.8 million for brain tumor research and support for those affected by the disease. Each year, the Race for Hope – DC helps to bring hope and attention to this often, underserved brain tumor community. The need to increase research funding is more urgent than ever – there are almost 700,000 people living with a primary brain tumor diagnosis in the U.S. and within the next 12 months, more than 210,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor.

About Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC²)