Ivy Blog
2019 Head for the Cure
As we embark on this new year, we are taking this opportunity to reflect on some of the most memorable moments of 2019. Perhaps one of the most notable and inspiring, was participating in Head for the Cure’s Inaugural Phoenix 5K Walk/Run on November 16th in Tempe, Arizona. Members of the Ivy Center team, along with more than 300 brain cancer supporters, gathered at Kiwanis Park to ignite hope and raise funds while participating in an unforgettable event. The fervor around Head for the Cure’s first Phoenix event took everyone by surprise. Just weeks before the race, the organization had already hit their goal of $30,000 in support of brain cancer research, assisting the Center’s Phase 0 clinical trials program and the Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative.
All walks of life made their way to the park on that brisk November morning showcasing infectious energy as they prepared to walk or run the 5K. The Ivy Team, or the “Ivy Brainstormers,” came in full force ready to show their immense support and gratitude. It was truly a memorable morning full of awareness, philanthropy and optimism for all of those affected by brain cancer. Families, friends, dogs, children and volunteers showed up that day for those who needed them most. Even after the event, the funds continued to flow in surpassing 100% of the fundraising goal and raising a grand total of $37,915.
At the end of the race, Dr. Nader Sanai handed out awards to the winning teams and “Keeping the Faith” recipients. There wasn’t a dry eye in the park that morning as attendees listened to the courageous and inspiring stories of the recipients, including Jay Woodward who lost his battle with glioblastoma just a few weeks prior to the event. The energy in the air was infectious and you could see that even with the incredible devastation and loss, there was just as much hope and optimism that one day we will find a cure for this disease.
We have to give a huge congratulations and an even bigger ‘thank you’ to our top fundraisers and teams!
- Top Fundraising Team: Woodward’s Warriors
- Top Fundraising Individual: Michelle Howland
- Largest Team: Ivy Brainstormers
- Keeping the Faith Recipients: Gwen Dominguez, Jay Woodward, Julie Love, Lanette Veres
And of course, we extend immense gratitude toward the sponsors who helped make this event possible:
- Weather 2020
- VMLY&R
- Novocure
- Get-Real Leadership & Culture
- Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research
- The Gray Matters Foundation
- R&R Amore Productions
- Trader Joes
- GT Medical Technologies
- Starbucks
- Einstein Bros Bagels
Click here to learn more about Head for the Cure and how to register for the 2020 Virtual 5K Walk/Run.
Photos taken by R&R Amore Productions