WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winning American Idol® made David Cook a star, but his activism in brain cancer research has been the role of a lifetime. Cook is once again taking the stage as the Honorary Chair of the 14th Annual Race for Hope – DC, presented by Cassidy Turley. The cause is close to Cook’s heart since he lost his brother Adam to brain cancer two years ago. He will be joined by survivors and supporters, who will run, walk and cheer, all in an effort to raise money and awareness for brain tumor research.
“I look forward to the Race for Hope every year because the event brings together people who all share the same passion to cure brain cancer,” said David Cook. “Serving as the Honorary Chair and joining thousands of others in the race has helped me remember my brother and offer hope to the families of those living with brain cancer in the United States.”
The 14th Annual Race for Hope – DC is part of the Weekend for Hope, which includes the Golf for Hope tournament at Blue Mash and a David Cook charity concert on April 29th at the Warner Theater. In addition to the 5K run/walk, the family-friendly Race for Hope – DC will feature a Kids Fun Run, a Survivor’s Tribute, a Wall of Hope and a display of masks and hats worn by brain tumor survivors during treatment. This year’s Rabbi Joseph P. Weinberg Triumph of the Spirit Award will be given to Rob Long, a Syracuse University punter who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010.
“I am honored to be receiving the Triumph of Spirit Award,” said Rob Long. “The support from this community, my family and my teammates has helped me get through my diagnosis and treatment and I am looking forward to participating in the Race for Hope for years to come.”
As one of the nation’s largest volunteer charity fundraising events, Race for Hope – DC is expected to draw a crowd of 12,000 participants and supporters, and outpace last year’s record-breaking $2.3 million fundraising total. The Race for Hope - DC benefits the National Brain Tumor Society and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. These organizations, as well as all of the participants, survivors and volunteers share the committee's hope for a day when brain tumors are a manageable disease and there is ultimately a cure.
There are currently over 600,000 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. Brain tumors are the second leading cause of cancer deaths in children and the leading cause of solid tumor cancer deaths in children, and cannot be prevented because their causes are still unknown. The need to increase research funding is more urgent than ever in order to bring hope and attention to the often underserved brain tumor community.
The Race begins at Freedom Plaza at 13th and Pennsylvania Avenue (metro accessible) at 8:30 a.m. and kicks off the national Brain Tumor Awareness Month.
The Race thanks major corporate sponsors who have joined the fight against brain tumors: Cassidy Turley, Genentech, Holliday, Fenoglio Fowler/The Conley Family, The Case Foundation, Children’s National Medical Center, Blue Mash Golf Course, Clear Channel Communications, Morgan Lewis, LivingSocial, GEICO, Katten Muchin Rosenman, Urban Country, Beacon Capital and Washington Examiner.
Details and online registration are available at: www.curebraintumors.org