After successfully recruiting a neuro-oncologist to New Orleans two years ago, the Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial 5k Run/Walk is now raising funds to bring a pediatric neuro-oncologist to treat the youngest members of our community battling brain cancer. The third annual fundraising 5k is Sunday, Oct. 7 at Audubon Park Shelter #10 in New Orleans.
“Children from the Greater New Orleans area who are diagnosed with brain tumors are facing the same lack of specialty care that adults were faced with a few short years ago, said Dr. Aaron Mammoser, the Kelsey Bradley Favrot Chair in Neuro-Oncology at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine’s Department of Neurosurgery. “Childhood brain tumors are significantly biologically different than their adult counterparts and a young brain responds much differently to neuro-oncology treatment than the brain of an adult. The best possible care requires someone who specializes in treating these cancers.”
To address this void in our medical community, Dr. Mammoser will lead a recruiting effort to hire a pediatric neuro-oncologist so that children diagnosed with brain tumors and their families can receive the specialized care they need here at home. All proceeds from Kelsey’s race will go toward this effort, further honoring Kelsey’s wish that patients receive quality care in the city so they don’t have to travel out of town.
Thanks to fundraising efforts like Kelsey’s race, Dr. Mammoser has been treating brain cancer patients at LSU Health New Orleans for two years now. Register for the race here.
Race Information:
8:00 Kids Run, half-mile
8:30 Adults Run / Walk
9:30-11:00 Live music by Mithras, refreshments, award presentation
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. Online registration and donations: kelseysgoal.com.
This year’s sponsors include West Jefferson Medical Center, Culicchia Neurological Clinic, First Lake Properties, Millenial Spirits of Nola and Stone Insurance.
About Kelsey Favrot
The Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial 5k has galvanized our community and touched the hearts of so many patients and their families dealing with a brain cancer diagnosis. 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.