Nearly 1,000 runners and walkers came together on Saturday to support efforts to fund research for brain cancer through the 12th annual Head for the Cure 5K.

The 12th annual Head for the Cure 5K is returning to San Antonio on Sept. 27, continuing a powerful tradition here that began in 2014, in memory of KSAT’s late news director, Jim Boyle.

For one San Antonio family, the Head for the Cure 5K has become a deeply personal tradition — a way to celebrate a beloved father and husband, Michael Hartfiel, who passed away in 2022 after a long battle with brain cancer.

The Head for the Cure 5K in San Antonio has grown, giving many families a way to remember and honor their loved ones, including Naomi Olivarez. Olivarez said she takes some comfort in the Head for the Cure 5K, as a tribute to her son Gilbert Cordaway — lovingly known as “P-Nut” — who passed away in 2015 from brain cancer at just 11 years old.

Over the years, the Head for the Cure 5k in San Antonio has given participants a way to honor and remember their loved ones, like Naomi Olivares, whose son, Gilbert Cordaway, died from brain cancer at the age of 11.

David Flores honors his daughter’s memory by participating in the Head for the Cure 5K, turning loss into hope for families affected by brain cancer.

Prepare to lace up your shoes for the 11th Annual Head for the Cure 5K run/walk. The race begins on Sept. 28, 2024.

Over $67,000 was raised Saturday morning in San Antonio to help find a cure for brain cancer.

Funds raised support brain tumor research, advocacy programs at University Health and other brain cancer programs

With the help from the community, Head for the Cure raised more than $55,000 surpassing their 2021 goal.

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SAN ANTONIO – A few months after losing their loved one due to brain cancer in 2014, one family found comfort in walking alongside people they had never met but related to more than anyone. Price and her family have found strength and community through their involvement through the annual event Head for the Cure San Antonio. Their participation began in 2014 with a small group of family members and close friends but has since grown. It’s an opportunity to increase awareness through community involvement which in turn, according to Price, helps family’s like hers. For more information on Head for the Cure, visit its website here.

Have you participated in the annual Head for the Cure - San Antonio 5K before? Former KSAT News Director Jim Boyle is the inspiration behind San Antonio’s Head for the Cure 5K. They worked to bring Head for the Cure 5K to San Antonio to raise money toward brain cancer research and raise awareness about the devastating disease. “The Head for the Cure Race is very important to us,” said Stephanie Serna, KSAT12 anchor. While my immediate family has not been directly impacted by brain cancer, we have been impacted by many types of cancers.