In November 2012 Mary Park was taken by brain cancer within just a few short weeks of the appearance of any symptoms. The loss and grief affected not only her family but her many friends as well. The family learned that while the speed of Mary’s cancer was rare, brain cancer had affected families of many of their close friends and associates. Mary’s family sponsored the inaugural Miles for Mary in 2013 as a tribute to her memory and to increase awareness of the frequency and severity of many brain cancers. Miles for Mary also raises funds to support research into more effective treatments of brain cancer to speed the day when the diagnosis of brain cancer isn’t so dire. The 2013 efforts brought family and friends of Mary together and also drew many people who were touched by brain cancer in their lives even if they didn’t know her.

The campaign combines two related annual activities: a memorial race, Miles For Mary, on October 25, 2014 and a research seminar, Innovations in Brain Cancer Research and Treatment, on November 3rd, 2014. Both will be held in Marblehead Massachusetts. Register for the 5K here.