“Angels Among Us” 5K Sets Record

Duke Event Sets New Mark, Raising $1,063,848 For
Tumor Research

Dr. Melanie Bonner, pediatric specialist for the Duke University School of Medicine, shows her colors as a “true blue” supporter of the Tug McGraw Foundation for photographer Jeff Forney and his assistant Rizwan.

Duke University is a special place for those of us in the brain tumor community. 

Located in Durham, North Carolina, it is home to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.  It is home to the Tug McGraw Research Center, leading the way to improved quality of life for brain tumor patients and their families.

And for so many involved in the fight against this disease, Duke is home to hope.  Since 1994, that “community of hope” has assembled each year for the “Angels Among Us” 5K and Family Fun Wallk to raise funds necessary for brain tumor research and continuing support for the improved quality of life for patients. 

(Left to right) Volunteer Linsey Abbott, TMF CEO Jennifer Brusstar, TMF Project Manager Genvieve Goldstein and TMF Board Member Kris Campbell show their stuff at the photo booth.

The Tug McGraw Foundation traveled to Durham to be on hand for this year’s event, held on April 28, joining the rest of the Duke community in commemorating the success of this tremendous occasion.  True to form, the annual event found friends in doctors, staff, patients, caregivers, friends, relatives, and sponsors as all came together to set a new fundraising record of $1,063,848.

Tug McGraw Foundation president and CEO, Jennifer Brusstar was there to share in the excitement.  “Duke’s ‘Angels Among Us’ is a day of celebration in the brain tumor community,” she said.  “Each step taken today has brought us closer to improved quality of life and hope for a cure.  We are proud of the Foundation’s partnership with the Tisch Center and of the work being done at the Tug McGraw Research Center.”

Photographer Jeff Forney captures Dr. Lee Jones (co-director of the Tug McGraw Research Center) in all his Duke glory with the help of Rizwan, his photo assistant.

In addition to joining in the walk and helping to raise money, TMF hosted a booth at the event that featured our trademark “45YGB” bracelets and a uniquely silly photo opportunity.  Volunteers Alesha Walker and Linsey Abbott encouraged visitors to choose from a variety of funny hats and feather boas and have their picture taken as a memento.  The photographs were then presented in folders that also included information on TMF’s Caregiver of the Year award.

While at Duke for the “Angels Among Us” event, TMF hosted a three-day photo shoot with both pediatric and adult brain tumor patients, caregivers, doctors, and researchers.  These images, captured by renowned photographer Jeff Forney, will debut at TMF’s Denim & Diamonds Gala in St. Louis on November 2.

Genvieve Goldstein, project manager for the Tug McGraw Foundation, was especially touched by what she saw throughout the weekend trip to Duke University.  “From the patients and caregivers on the front lines, to the doctors and researchers whose amazing work provides hope and optimism…the brain tumor community showed its spirit and strength in Durham today,” said Goldstein.