Two upcoming events in Marblehead will honor the memory of Mary Park while benefiting brain cancer treatment research at Mass General Cancer Center. Park died from glioblastoma in 2012, as have too many other loved ones in town.
The first is a Miles for Mary Run/Walk Saturday, Oct. 18 at Devereux Beach.
According to the National Institute of Health, more than 25,000 people will be diagnosed with brain cancer this year. The National Brain Tumor Society states that the five-year relative survival rate for glioblastoma is only 6.8%.
Miles for Mary directly supports the study of innovative treatments for brain tumors, with a particular focus on glioblastoma. All of the funds raised are directed to the work of neuro-oncologist Dr. Elizabeth Gerstner at the Mass General Cancer Center.
Gerstner and her team are conducting a clinical trial, named INCIPIENT, for treating glioblastoma through an advanced use of CAR T-cell technology. The outcomes of the trial treatments have been very encouraging, resulting in shrinkage of the tumors.
Since 2013, Miles for Mary has raised over $800,000 for brain cancer treatment research at Mass General Cancer Center. The funds raised this year will continue to support innovative research in brain cancer treatment, such as INCIPIENT.
Miles for Mary is part of the Marblehead Road Race Series. Learn more here: runmhd.org
Race details:
Starts and ends at Devereux Beach
$30 pre-registration via milesformary.com
$35 race day registration; opens at 9 a.m.
5K participants who pre-register can avoid lines and pick up their bibs at Marathon Sports the night before (Friday, Oct. 17) between 4-7 p.m. Marathon Sports is located in Vinnin Square, 9 Paradise Road.
Research seminar
Organizers are also planning a Miles for Mary research seminar for Monday, Nov. 3. at the Eastern Yacht Club. Come hear Dr. Elizabeth Gerstner and Dr. Michael W. Parsons from Mass General Cancer Center, $65 registration via milesformary.com Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6 p.m. and the presentation begins at 7 p.m.
