On April 18, 2012, the greatest man I've ever known, my dad Brian, was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme. This is the day that destroyed our family and our world forever as we listened to the doctor then tell him, my dad, my hero, the strongest man I knew "You have a brain tumor." Ultimately, an incurable brain tumor-a tumor that will quickly run through your brain and take away all of the abilities you took for granted, like talking and walking. With little treatment options for this aggressive monster, after a 10 month battle on February 20, 2013 my dad passed away with his family at his side.

Watching someone you love go through something like this is indescribable. For those of you that knew my dad, he was a strong man never showing any type of pain or weakness ... Until this horrible diagnosis. This kicked his butt and left him no option but to become defeated. Far too many people suffer this and more research is needed to find better treatment options and alternate plans when one treatment stops working.

This is my 12th year participating in this event. I walk in honor of my dad and the battle he faced every day during his sickness and the battle I face every day living without him. Brian's Battalion walks in honor of one of the greatest men that ever lived. We walk in honor of all the people fighting brain tumors right now and their families. We walk in memory of the people that have lost the unfair fight.

Research is everything. Although my dad can not be helped by research and funding, I truly hope that one day there can be better treatment options to extend the life expectancy for people living with a glioblastoma. The average life expectancy is currently 15 months, many not even making a year however. Research needs to be done to change his.

Over the past 12 years, through the help of my team, family, and friends -my amazing support system - we have raised a great deal of money! Here we go again!

Please consider donating or joining us as we walk on September 15th and fight for a cure!

Xoxo

Tara