SAN ANTONIO – KSAT 12 helped raise $124,000 Saturday for brain cancer research and awareness campaigns. It was our first Head for the Cure 5K, which was held in honor of former KSAT 12 News Director Jim Boyle.
Twelve hundred people came together to fight for a cure and it all started with one man. Jim Boyle died in March from brain cancer and, with a legacy in mind, the first San Antonio Head for the Cure 5K was born.
"He loved to run. This would be his ideal day. I'm just so grateful that everybody's out and enjoying it like he would have done," said Jim Boyle's daughter, Erin Boyle.
She is one of many who holds the event close to her heart. Reporter Katrina Webber not only ran for Jim Boyle Saturday morning but also for her older brother, who died from brain cancer two weeks ago.
"It just fills my heart to see all these people care and come out, and I hope by this effort it will one day lead to a cure," Webber said.
The hope is to find a cure for people like Heaven, a little girl who is battling brain cancer right now. When she and her family finished the race, she said, "I'm going to spank cancer's butt!"
That's exactly what Carlos Garcia is trying to do as well. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in January.
"My husband has overcome many obstacles. He's an overcomer," said Carlos Garcia's wife, Patricia Garcia.
These brain cancer warriors were surrounded by hundreds who came to support their own loved ones.
"We're running for Marci West, my little cousin who passed away in June from brain cancer," said Crystal Luna.
Another group was dressed up like Wonder Woman.
"We're running for Camila Mason!" they cheered.
Many hearts joined together Saturday, filled with love and hope, fighting for the same cause.