SAN ANTONIO – What started nearly 13 years ago as a small gathering outside KSAT has grown into a major fundraiser and source of support for families affected by brain cancer.
The Head for the Cure 5K began with family and friends coming together to honor Jim Boyle, KSAT’s late news director, who died after a battle with brain cancer.
Since then, the race has continued to grow, drawing nearly 1,000 participants last year.
The event raises money for brain cancer research and patient support programs, while also giving survivors, patients and families a place to come together.
Maggie Haynes, executive director of Head for the Cure, said brain cancer diagnoses can be sudden and deeply traumatic.
“This disease is, you know, the one word I use for people is ‘traumatizing,” Haynes said. “I know that any big health event, there’s often anxiety and there’s a lot of uncertainty.”
Haynes said many brain tumors are discovered unexpectedly.
“You might turn up to the emergency room with a bad headache thinking that you’re going to go home with some high-strength Tylenol, and then 48 hours later you’re having brain surgery,” she said.
Haynes was referring to glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. The median survival rate is about 18 months.
She said no one should have to face that kind of diagnosis alone. That is part of the mission of the Head for the Cure Foundation, which works to raise money and awareness while supporting patients and families.
“The funds raised for the Head for the Cure 5K, the majority are given back locally to local centers that are in the fight, both for research and then also patient programs as well,” Haynes said.
Race day also serves as an emotional outlet for people who have lost loved ones to brain cancer.
“So many people show up to remember someone, to remember a friend, to remember a sister, a brother or a mother,” Haynes said.
Organizers hope the event will continue to grow, raising more money for research and local support programs while honoring those affected by brain cancer.
