NEW ORLEANS – Students and faculty from St. George’s Episcopal School, 923 Napoleon Ave., in New Orleans, are challenging other schools to join them in the third annual Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial 5K run/walk on Sunday, Oct. 8, in Audubon Park, at Audubon Park Shelter No. 10.
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 go towards the LSU New Orleans Department of Neurosurgery to support the treatment of brain cancer patients, honoring Kelsey Bradley Favrot’s wish that patients receive quality care in the city so they don’t have to travel out of town.
On Jan. 8, 2008, Favrot was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor known as Gliomatosis Cerebri. During the next 20 months, Favrot 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 Favrot, her family and friends, who preferred that she remain in New Orleans for care so they could be at her side. With characteristic determination, Favrot began to explore ways to assist those who would face a brain cancer diagnosis in the future. Favrot succumbed to brain cancer in August 2009.
St. George’s has supported brain cancer awareness for years, since faculty member Mona Leingang lost her husband in 2010 and founded national Gray Day on May 9.
“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.
Teams and individuals who want to participate in the Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial 5K run/walk can register for the race here.
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, Alabama) and Helm Paint.
The race will start at 8:00 a.m. for the kids’ run half-mile, and the adults’ run/ walk starts at 8:30 a.m. There will be live music by Mithras, refreshments and an award presentation from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Entry fees are $30 pre-registration; $35 race day; $15 for youths and seniors; and a special $10 fee for youths does not include T-shirts.
Save $5.00 on registration fees by creating a group or team.
Online registration and donations can be made here
View a video about St. George’s Episcopal School’s elementary students and faculty challenging other schools to join them in participating in the third annual Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial 5K here: https://youtu.be/DQ3teQqHLO8
