Mark’s courageous fight lasted years longer than doctors predicted. Mark’s diagnosis inspired my daughter Stephanie Ankiel West to establish the B.R.A.I.N (Bringing Resources and Information Now) Cancer Foundation of the Treasure Coast (Florida). The Foundation continues to provide hope, support, resources and advocate for local answers regarding the alarming number of reported brain cancer diagnoses in our community of St Lucie County, FL. Glioblastoma is considered a rare and deadly form of brain cancer. However, dozens of people have been diagnosed within St Lucie County in recent years. Many of them young adults.

Mark fought brain cancer with courage and determination. He never gave up hope. People diagnosed with glioblastoma have a 5% chance of living more than 5 years. In the last 40 years, there have been only 3 approved drug therapies for brain tumors, and only one device approved by the FDA. But increased funding raised through events such as Race for Hope-DC and new research initiatives are beginning to create new momentum toward an array of treatments that could extend lifespans and make brain tumors a more manageable disease.

In addition to walking in remembrance of Mark, I will also walk to pay tribute to others who lost their battle to a brain tumor—including Marcia Van Arman and her brother Michael Pearce, Kevin Perry, Kyle Vericella , Jim DeAngelis, Lenny Schelin, Jr., Gene Krueger, and Clara Macias. They are all missed terribly by family and friends.

The event is also a time to honor those who so courageously continue to fight their battle with brain tumors including Daniel Voz, Lauren Shoemake, and Michael DiSalvo.

Please join in my effort to help us find a cure for this dreadful disease. All donation are appreciated and will go a long way to help us find a cure for brain tumors! Every dollar helps!