By Emmy Bailey
Herald Intern
10 Years of Melissa’s Race to End Brain Cancer
The 10th anniversary of Melissa’s Race to Battle Brain Cancer is May 3rd at Lake Monroe in Downtown Sanford. This 5k event raises money for brain cancer research in honor of Melissa V osburg, a Sanford resident and a teacher at Midway Elementary School, who lost her life to glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer in 2013.
Melissa was a vibrant, loving 35-year-old who was marking her mark in the world. She just completed her second master's at Aurora University near Chicago and had hopes of being a school principal. But then came the migraines-intense and persistent. The migraines became so alarming that the doctors did a biopsy and realized she had glioblastoma, the most common type of brain cancer but it has no cure. While still battling the disease, Melissa participated in the UCF race for brain cancer. After her passing, the event was discontinued. But Melissa had a vision to raise awareness for brain cancer, and her family continued her mission.
“I think after you lose a child it would be easy to roll up in a ball and we didn’t want to do that because I think we would disappoint her. So, instead, we decided to start Melissa’s race,” Melissa’s mom Sue Vosburg said.
In its inaugural race, it began with only about 200 racers and they raised $33,000. Now, they are averaging about 1,2000 people and have raised $54,000 out of their $85,000 goal, benefitting the Advent Health Cancer Institute. Melissa’s race has a unique donation promise - 100% of their funds go to research and all the money to cover the race is provided by the family and local businesses who sponsor the event.
“Our money is called seed money so when you’re in research, you need X amount of penny to try something new and to prove a point. So once you prove a point, you can get millions. And our money has been seed money proving the things so they can get bigger funds,” Vosburg said.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, More than 13,000 Americans are diagnosed with GBM every year. There is currently no cure and limited effective treatments available. But Melissa’s Race hopes to make a difference.
“Every year, I get to meet people that are there that have either lost someone, or they are fighting the battle, or they are a survivor, and just hearing their stories that are my inspiration—hearing how they held someone up or hearing how they fought really hard. It gives me hope. And my belief is if we find something with brain cancer it will help every cancer,” Vosburg said.
Whether you're a stroller, runner, bringing dogs, or kids, it’s a place for everyone to come out, be a part of the community and support the cause. They will have food trucks and things there to celebrate the 10th anniversary. And for those who can’t attend in person, virtual participation is available from anywhere.
To register and find more information visit http://melissasrace.org.
