I've entered the Race For Hope for the past 12 years because it's one small way I can make a difference in the fight against brain cancer and brain tumors, medical conditions that have plagued my aunt, my sister-in-law, and took the life of my beloved father, Jimmy Wayne Rogers. 

My dad was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2003.  The following six years of his life were dominated by surgery, chemotherapy, and various radiation treatments for Glioblastoma.  These were supposed to be his golden years.  He had just retired and had plans to go fishing and camping with my mother.  He wanted to find peace in his beloved outdoors with a rod and reel whenever his heart desired.  He even converted an old school bus into an RV just for this purpose, but he barely got to use it.  Instead, those fishing trips he had long dreamed of were replaced by a nightmarish series of cancer treatments.

My mother was also just beginning her retirement years when Dad was diagnosed, and in many ways I run to fight back for her as well.  She stood unwavering at my father's side through countless doctor's appointments and hospital stays.  She was his constant through every treatment and every indignity he suffered at the hands of the disease.  My father's personality changed markedly after his surgery in 2003, and she was forced to watch the man she had been married to for four decades slowly fade before her eyes. 

I also run for my 14-year-old son, Jimmy, and his 10-year-old brother, Jackson.  More than anything I wish my boys could know their grandfather, as he was before cancer struck.  If only they could know first-hand how amazing he was.  I imagine Dad teaching the boys how to fish, maybe even with the same tiny "Snoopy" fishing pole he used to teach me.  If the boys had the opportunity to know their Grandfather they would know a man who worked hard every day of his life so his family would want for nothing, a man who had a passion for sports and enjoying nature, and a man with a steadfast faith in God.  Essentially, he was the perfect role model.  I was only 3 months pregnant with Jimmy when my father passed away on September 27th, 2009.

We are so excited to return to beautiful downtown DC on Sunday, May 4th.  It will be a success if we can muster even a minute fraction of the resilience and persistence I have seen in my family members who have been affected by brain cancer and brain tumors.  We will run for Jimmy and Dee Rogers, Phyllis Kokoruda, and Trina Korst. Most importantly, we will run to help make sure others do not have to suffer the same fate as my father.  My sincere hope is that someday soon, with the help of events like Race for Hope, we'll reach the finish line victorious over brain cancer and brain tumors.

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The Race for Hope - DC presented by Cassidy Turley raises funds to support innovative research initiatives and provide information for brain tumor patients and their families. This amazing event relies on the dedication and enthusiasm of individuals, families, teams, volunteers, sponsors and donors. Thank you for your support in helping us find a cure for brain tumors!