In May 2007, we ran together as a family and Mason stayed in the jogger stroller for most of the race. He was puffy from steroids and in treatment.

He saw the sea of yellow survivor shirts and asked “Do all these people have brain tumors like me?”

We were in the home stretch of the race, a couple hundred feet from the finish line and Mason asked to get out of the stroller. He proceeded to run to the finish line with our help. He was beaming and proud. We were crying because we knew then that he was probably not going to survive.

This race to us has always been a powerful example of the triumph of the spirit, survivorship, the strength of community, and the challenge to find a cure.

Sadly, pediatric brain tumors are still the number one reason children die of disease in this country. We need more research to change that reality. Families of both adults and children are counting on us to fund the research that will ensure their loved ones will survive and thrive. Much like Mason, research requires us to jump in the race and push forward to find the cures.

So, join our team, Mason's Superstars, and gather friends, family and people you love and walk this May 5 in the Race for Hope DC in Mason's honor. If you are in DC -join us in person. If you are not in the DC area- you can join the team and participate virtually!

Live, laugh, have some spaghetti and vanilla ice cream after your run/walk. The best way to honor Mason’s life is to love and enjoy those around you. Donate in his honor. Every step we take to fund research is a way to support those that fight for their lives every day.

For more information on the National Brain Tumor Society, visit www.braintumor.org.