March 2, 2005 -- Martine McKenzie knows first-hand how scary it is when a loved one is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her brother-in-law, Zane Melmud, was recently diagnosed with the most
aggressive type of brain cancer, Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade IV, for the second time. When he was first diagnosed over a year and a half ago, Martine was overcome with fear, anger, and
isolation. What's more, she lived across the country from her sister and brother-in-law and had no idea how she could help them at this difficult time. "I needed to find a way to be
helpful in this battle," she said.
It was then that McKenzie heard about the National Brain Tumor Foundation and its new Racing Ahead Fundraising Program. Through this program, she will run the Los Angeles Marathon this
Sunday, March 6th, and will honor the remarkable love and strength shared by Virginia and Zane. She has already raised over $15,000, which will be contributed to the GBM Research Fund at
the National Brain Tumor Foundation. Over 190,000 people are diagnosed with brain cancer in the United States each year.
"These dollars will help find a cure for this disease and a better life for patients. This is my way of celebrating life for Zane and others with brain tumors!" said McKenzie. She will be
joined by a team of fellow NBTF supporters who are helping fight cancer one step at a time.
To date, hundreds of families across the country have taken part in bike rides, marathons, walk-a-thons, swimming events, and triathlons in an effort to help find a cure for brain tumors.
To support Martine's Racing Ahead Team, contact www.justgiving.com/pfp/team/melmed. To form your own Racing Ahead
Team, contact the National Brain Tumor Foundation at 1 800 934 2873.
The National Brain Tumor Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization that offers many free resources and programs to support and educate brain tumor patients and their families.
For more information, visit www.braintumor.org or call 1 800 934 2873.
Contact:
Rob Tufel
415-834-9970 x107