Our goal: to expand pediatric brain cancer care
Sunday, Oct. 9
Audubon Park – Shelter 10
Register Now to Run or Walk
The Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial 5K Run/Walk returns to Audubon Park for its 7th year to support expanded neuro-oncology care at the LSU Department of Neurosurgery in New Orleans.
Runners and walkers of all ages are urged to participate and even bring their dog to the beloved family-friendly event on Sunday, Oct. 9th in Audubon Park. The 1/2 Mile Run/Walk begins at 8 am and the 5K Run/Walk starts at 8:30 am. Packet pickup begins at 7 a.m. on race day. Fee is $30 with discounts for seniors and youths under 17. Music by the Soul Brass Band. Jambalaya and snacks will be provided. Register here or on the day of the race.
The event is in memory of Kelsey Bradley Favrot, who succumbed to brain cancer in 2009. Before her death, Kelsey expressed concern for those brain cancer patients unable to travel out of state, whether constrained by their illness or financial considerations. She began to explore ways to assist those who would face a brain cancer diagnosis in the future.
Her family and friends have followed through on Kelsey’s wishes over the years by supporting efforts to provide high-quality neuro-oncology care in New Orleans so patients do not have to leave town for treatment. The Favrot family generously endowed a neuro-oncology chair at LSU Neurosurgery, now held by Dr. Aaron Mammoser, who has been treating brain cancer patients and conducting clinical trial research for six years.
The Kelsey Bradley Favrot Brain Tumor Initiative (KBFBTI) was established to raise funds to benefit the Department of Neurosurgery at LSU Health, and their latest goal is to endow an academic chair in Pediatric Neurosurgery. The effort is well on its way to meeting its $600,000 goal.
“Pediatric neuro-oncology patients in our area deserve a specialist who can focus on their particular medical needs,” explained Dr. Mammoser. “Having that medical expertise in New Orleans will be of great comfort to patients and families.”
Patients should be able to receive the quality care they need here at home. Clinicians and researchers working side by side will deliver the most advanced treatment available while working to find a cure for the prevention of such a devastating illness.
“Over the years, the Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial 5K has paved the way for advances in neuro-oncology care in our region. We are thrilled to gather again in person as we work to expand brain cancer care so patients do not feel a need to leave town for medical treatment,” said Frank Culicchia, MD, chairman of LSU Health New Orleans Neurosurgery.