Brain Tumor 5K Set for Oct. 23; Educational Conference Postponed

CINCINNATI—Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Midwest Regional Brain Tumor Conference, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22, has been postponed. Watch for information about educational programming from the Brain Tumor Center at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute in the near future.

The 7th annual Walk Ahead for a Brain Tumor Cure 5k will take place as planned on Sunday, Oct. 23, at Sawyer Point in downtown Cincinnati.

Walk Ahead is the largest regional fundraiser for brain tumor education and research. The 5K run will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk at 9 a.m. Proceeds support the annual symposium and research at the UC Brain Tumor Center. Specifically, Brain Tumor Center researchers use Walk Ahead funds to study the major pathways used by cancer genes, the specific proteins that play a role in the spread of cancer cells and the compounds that inhibit the ability of cancer cells to utilize energy.

To register, donate or volunteer, please visit www.walkahead.org. For sponsorship information, contact Alexandra Lolli at 513-558-6903 or Alexandra.Lolli@uc.edu.

Last year's Walk Ahead drew 3,383 participants from 19 states and raised more than $360,000, bringing the event's cumulative fund-raising total to more than $1.3 million. The 2016 event co-chairs are Rick June and Michael Perez. Presenting sponsors are Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, the Shemenski Foundation and Team Papaw Joe Rippe.

The American Brain Tumor Association estimates that 70,000 primary brain tumors (those that originate in the brain) are diagnosed each year, about 35 percent of which are malignant. The incidence of metastatic brain tumors (those that have spread from another part of the body) is far higher, with more than 170,000 cases diagnosed each year.

The UC Brain Tumor Center treats patients with complex tumors of the brain, head, neck and central nervous system. The center's multidisciplinary team includes specialists in radiation oncology, neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, otolaryngology, neuroophthalmology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, restorative medicine, neuropathology, neuroradiology and integrative medicine. Ongoing collaboration among expert team members at a weekly Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Conference, combined with state-of-the-art technology, ensures the best possible treatment for patients with primary or metastatic brain tumors.