Brain Tumor Walk History

In 1995, a motivated brain tumor survivor named Chris Kuchera Hemker led a small group of volunteers in organizing an event on Angel Island, a California State Park located in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, to benefit what was then the National Brain Tumor Foundation. The event was simply called the Angel Island Adventure. The purpose of the event was to raise funds for the Foundation while bringing together survivors, family members, and friends in an inspiring atmosphere of love and support.

Although Chris succumbed to complications from her tumor in 1996, her vision and passion to help find a cure for brain tumors live on through this event. Now called Brain Tumor Walk, the event is an opportunity for those whose lives have been touched by brain tumors to meet patients, families, and friends: celebrate life, and honor the memory of those lost.

From its modest beginnings in 1995, with 50 participants raising $20,000, the event has grown into a far-reaching national program. In 2013 there will be 10 events around the country in Wilmington (DE), San Francisco, Denver, New York, Portland (OR), Boston, Orange County (CA), Phoenix, Dallas-Ft. Worth and Los Angeles.