During Christmas 2004, my mother, Christine Makris, underwent multiple hours of brain surgery, at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, to treat a (thankfully) operable brain tumor. Unfortunately, the tumor was malignant, and surviving the surgery turned out to only be the first step in what became a life-changing adventure. 

In December 2014, Mom (Chris) celebrated her 10th year as a brain cancer survivor! In celebration, I started a walk/run team in her honor, and we participated in the 2015 Race for Hope, on May 3rd. Our team expanded from what I hoped would be a few friends and family, to over 50 members, and we raised nearly $10,000 towards brain cancer research. It was incredible!

Unfortunately, in December 2015, nearly 11 years to the day from her initial surgery, we began to see symptoms of a possible progression of the tumor. Sadly, within a couple of weeks, we received the unfortunate news that the tumor had spread signficantly and her battle was about to become much more difficult. The next several months were incredibly challenging, as I watched this disease take hold of my mother and not let her go. On June 13th, 2016, Mom passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family.

My mother fought this disease every day for 11+ years, and continued to fight even after it was clear she was losing the battle. I have now made it my duty, to continue the fight as long as I have breath in my body, and there is a cure to discover. We cannot continue to standby and allow this horrific disease to ruin the lives of so many of our friends and loved ones. On Sunday, May 2nd, we will walk again, we will run again, we will stroll again, and we will dance again, from our own locations all over the world. But most importantly, we will be out there once again, and we will do so in memory of my mother and all others we've lost, and in honor of cancer survivors everywhere. WE MUST FIND A CURE. WE MUST KEEP HOPE ALIVE. The National Brain Tumor Society and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure are making strides for a cure - but more needs to be done. Please join us in our effort, and become one of Chris' Cronies!