NEWS FLASH - 05/06/09 - Walk Raises Almost $200,000 to Heighten Brain Tumor Awareness (Delaware News Journal)

The “Get Your Head in the Game®” Awareness Walk held here on May 2 raised $198,417 for The Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation (KHG), the only organization in the US primarily focused on education and awareness of brain tumors.

The funds raised on Saturday by 2,800 participants and 11 major sponsors also moves KHG (www.KHGfoundation.com) close to the $1 million mark since its inception in 2005 by Chris Grundner, whose 31-year-old wife, Kelly, died after a two-year battle with a malignant brain tumor.

“The generosity of the people in this community plays a huge factor in our success,” says Grundner. “Their support for this Walk and for our other fundraisers has enabled us to make something really positive come out of Kelly’s suffering. By raising awareness and educating the public and medical professionals about brain tumor facts, symptoms and proper diagnosis techniques, I know we are making a real impact against this terrible disease.”

Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice-President Joe Biden and a participant in last year’s inaugural Walk, attended again this year in honor of Delaware sisters Nicole Testa and Cynthia Herrick who are both currently battling brain tumors.

KHG’s other fundraisers include golf events, a local beef and beer night and a national tulip bulb sale dubbed “Tulips Against Tumors.”

“Chris’ results with KHG are very impressive,” says Fred Sears, President and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation, which manages over 800 funds and distributes more than $15 million in annual grants every year.

“When we first met four years ago, I certainly was impressed, but I probably would have given Chris maybe a one in ten chance of succeeding to the extent that he has. Chris is combining a good idea, an important cause and high energy and intelligence to achieve remarkable success.”

In the Fall of 2008, KHG launched the “Get Your Head In The Game®” brain tumor awareness campaign in the New Castle County, Delaware with news media stories, billboards, radio and newspaper advertisements (www.GetYourHeadInTheGame.org).

“We plan to introduce a similar campaign in additional markets soon,” says Grundner, who often compares his work to that of breast cancer awareness advocates 25 years ago. “We have a long way to go to, but I think it is safe to say we’ve taken some really important steps in the right direction.”

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090506/COMMUNITIES1001/90506060