The Brooklyn Community Fights for Brain Tumor Awareness and Research Funds

New York residents are fighting to raise awareness and necessary resources to fund critical brain tumor research at this year’s New York Brain Tumor 5K Walk on Saturday, June 21, at Icahn Stadium at Randall’s Island Park. Two local women who are joining the upcoming walk, Claudia De Pinto and Sarah Whitlock, have been personally affected by brain tumors, which currently affect 700,000 people in the United States. Both Claudia and Sarah will be joining the upcoming walk to honor their loved ones, support other survivors and increase awareness and funds for research.

Claudia, born and raised in Brooklyn, began battling Central Neurocytoma, a type of brain tumor, in November 2010. Just six months after her recovery, Claudia, her friends and family joined the efforts of the National Brain Tumor Society, with the goal of raising awareness and funds for a brain tumor cure. Claudia’s family and friends continue to support the fight to find a cure.

“They are so supportive, and I am truly grateful for their care because at times it was quite challenging,” said Claudia. This year she’ll continue her fundraising efforts through her NY Brain Tumor Walk team,  Claudia’s Sunshine.

Joining Claudia’s fundraising efforts is Sarah Whitlock, who will participate this year’s walk in honor of her brother Mark, who died 18 months after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Mark was just 25 years old when he was diagnosed, but his diagnosis did not stop him from pursuing his law degree.

“He would receive rigorous three-hour treatments before running off to class,” remembered Sarah. Mark’s Mob, the team that began in 2009 with Mark to reconnect with his family and friends to raise awareness and funds, continues to join the walk each year to celebrate Mark’s fighting spirit.

The National Brain Tumor Society is the largest nonprofit brain tumor organization in the United States and hopes to raise more than $500,000 during this year’s New York walk. To register, volunteer or become a sponsor please visit www.BrainTumorWalk.org/NewYork.