1. Philadelphia Race for Hope 2010 Personal Page: http://bts.convio.net/goto/cmerget Team Page: http://bts.convio.net/goto/chrystalmerget

2. Approximately two years ago my Mother-in-Law, Carmen was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor called Glioblastoma (GBM). As she continues her battle with cancer, Carmen’s Angel’s continues to assist in the fight. Over the past two years we have been able to raise a little over $4,000. We hope this year with your help we can exceed that phenomenal total!

3. Each year more than 200,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor. Primary brain tumors comprise approximately 40,000 of these diagnoses.

4. Brain tumors are the leading cause of solid tumor cancer death in children under the age of 20, now surpassing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

5. Metastatic brain tumors, cancer that spreads from other parts of the body to the brain, are the most common types of brain tumors. They occur in 10-15% of people with cancer. Primary brain tumors generally do not metastasize to other parts of the body.

6. There are currently no known causes of brain tumors, however, epidemiological studies are ongoing. Complete and accurate data on all primary brain tumors is needed to provide the foundation for investigations of its causes and research leading to improved diagnosis and treatment.

7. Brain tumors have no socio-economic boundaries and do not discriminate among gender or ethnicity.

8. At this time, brain tumor research is underfunded and the public remains unaware of the magnitude of this disease. The cure rate for most brain tumors is significantly lower than that for many other types of cancer.

9. The Brain Tumor Society is driven by these facts and remains committed to their mission to find a cure for brain tumors. They improve the quality of life for those already affected by a brain tumor diagnosis, by providing information and support, and they fund carefully-selected research projects to enhance treatments and to find a cure.

10. Females have a 0.54% lifetime risk of being diagnosed with a primary malignant brain tumor and a 0.41% chance of dying from a brain tumor

11. Brain Tumors are the second leading cause of cancer death in male adults ages 20-29 and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in female adults ages 20-39.

12. Males have a 0.66% lifetime risk of being diagnosed with a primary malignant brain tumor and a 0.50% chance of dying from a brain tumor.

13. Metastatic brain tumors have the greatest incidence rate, with breast, lung and melanoma being the most common cancers to metastasize to the brain.

14. There are over 120 different types of brain tumors, which make effective treatment complicated. They can be malignant or non-malignant (benign), and in either case, can be just as injurious or life threatening.

15. At present, the standard treatments for brain tumors include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These may be used either individually or in combination.

16. Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumors at 27.4%. The Glioma family of tumors account for 44.4% of all tumors, with Glioblastoma being the most common type of Glioma at 51.9% and Astrocytoma representing 21.6% of all Gliomas.

17. Individually we may be small but as a group we can become a force to be reckoned with. Please show your support for Carmen’s Angels. Any donation great or small will help the cause.

18. The Brain Tumor Society’s RACE FOR HOPE - Philadelphia raises critical funds to support innovative research initiatives and support services for brain tumor patients and their families. This amazing event relies on the dedication and enthusiasm of individuals, families, teams, volunteers, sponsors and donors. Thank you for your support in helping us find a cure for brain tumors!