Sugarloaf, PA recently hosted the 2013 Pennsylvania Race Against the Odds in memory of Michael Balliet. The event, presented by Falvello Dental, raised over $15,500 for The Cure Starts Now Foundation, one of the first worldwide charities dedicated to finding a “homerun” cure for all forms of cancer, starting first with pediatric brain cancer.
A premier 5k walk and run, the Race Against the Odds race series focuses on raising money in the pursuit of brain cancer research. The first annual Sugarloaf race drew hundreds in celebration and memory of Michael Balliet, a 12-year-old who passed away in 2012 from DIPG.
Michael was a caring, happy, typical 12-year-old boy. He was healthy and growing into a young man when diagnosed with DIPG. His tumor grew so fast that he lost his life one week after diagnosis. His death was devastating to his family, school and the community. It is in his love and spirit that we need to find a cure for brain cancer to stop losing our precious children. Anyone who knew Michael remembers his laugh and smile.
Michael's mother, Betsy Walser, put together the race and even ran it in honor of her son.
“Last April I set a goal to run in this 5k for Michael. I did it with no walking. Running and working out has been my way of working through my grief,” said Walser.
The inaugural race received a great amount of support from the Sugarloaf community including over a dozen sponsors. Thank you to Falvello Dental, Bimbo Bakeries, Insight Factory, Team Susquehanna, ALS, Oleyar Law, Dryfoos Insurance, Mark E.W. Dinner, ENT Surgical Associates, Sheetz, Wendy’s, Dr. & Mrs. John P. Rogers, Harman Funeral Homes, Burger Family Dealerships, Kupsho Family, Gould’s Shursave and Donut Connection.
“The outpouring of support for the race and DIPG research in memory of my Michael, from friends and the community has been tremendous. Patti and I are truly are blessed and grateful to have such wonderful people support us and in our lives,” said Walser.
The 2014 race will take place on October 25.
Originally started in 2007 in tribute to 6-year-old Elena Desserich and her fight against brain cancer, The Cure Starts Now Foundation has funded over $2,000,000 in research, awareness and programs in just 6 short years. Its chapters now help families in 27 states and two countries. Its work and progress have been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, Inside Edition, Marketwatch, Yahoo.com, People Magazine and media worldwide.
