Elementary students and faculty from St. George’s Episcopal School are challenging other schools to join them in the third annual Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial 5K on Sunday, Oct. 8 in Audubon Park. A family member of a young St. George’s student is currently undergoing treatment for brain cancer and the school has formed a team in support. Race proceeds will support a center at LSU New Orleans Department of Neurosurgery to support the treatment of brain cancer patients, honoring Kelsey’s wish that patients receive quality care in the city so they don’t have to travel out of town.
The school has supported brain cancer awareness for years, since faculty member Mona Leingang lost her husband in 2010, by actively participating in the national Gray Day events each May.
Teams and individuals are urged to register for the race at kelseysgoal.com. The organized push for a more cohesive brain cancer treatment center in South Louisiana has yielded strides since the race began. Proceeds from the race benefit the LSU Department of Neurosurgery’s Brain Tumor Initiative.
“Our medical community has made significant strides in the care of brain cancer patients over the last year,” said Frank Culicchia, MD, chair, LSU New Orleans Department of Neurosurgery. “University Medical Center has acquired the state’s first Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (IMRI), giving surgeons access to advanced, real-time data and diagnostic quality imaging during procedures. Also of significance is the fact that New Orleans finally has a neuro-oncologist to treat brain cancer patients. Aaron G. Mammoser, M.D., joined the medical staff of LSU New Orleans Department of Neurosurgery as the Kelsey Bradley Favrot Chair in Neuro-Oncology and is now seeing patients and administering clinical research trials.”
Entry fees: $30 pre-registration; $35 race day; $15 for youths and seniors; special $10 fee for youths does not include t-shirt. Save $5.00 on registration fees by creating a group or team. The first race is at 8am. Online registration and donations: kelseysgoal.com.
This year’s sponsors include Bryan Chevrolet, LCMC Health, West Jefferson Medical Center, Culicchia Neurological Clinic, First Lake Properties, Robert’s Fresh Market, Iberia Bank, The St. Paul’s Class of 1977 (Mobile, AL) and Helm Paint.
About Kelsey Favrot
On January 8th, 2008, Kelsey Favrot was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor known as Gliomatosis Cerebri. During the next 20 months, Kelsey underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy with courage, hope and grace. Unfortunately, she had to receive treatment out of town because none of the hospitals in New Orleans had a physician whose primary focus was neuro-oncology. The distance was a hardship for Kelsey, her family and friends, who preferred that she remain in New Orleans for care so they could be at her side. With characteristic determination, Kelsey began to explore ways to assist those who would face a brain cancer diagnosis in the future. Kelsey succumbed to brain cancer in August 2009.
The race is sponsored by 1st Lake Properties, Culicchia Neurological Clinic, Gifted Healthcare, Iberia Bank, Robert’s Fresh Market, West Jefferson Medical Center, St. Paul’s Class of 1977, LCMC Health