<img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/22651968_1501442746.3927_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /> 1 year ago, at the age of 28, I was told that I had a golf ball sized tumor pushing down on the front of my brain, threatening to attack the piece of me that makes me who I am.  I was scheduled for a surgery to remove the tumor just a few weeks later, but in the meantime, I was permitted by my doctors to go on a long-planned vacation to Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks.  That trip to those two remarkable places helped center my mind.  The beauty and sheer scale calmed me at a time when I was reeling.  I returned from the trip in good spirits, and a few days later the tumor was removed, along with a large portion of my skull, without severely damaging my brain.   <img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/22651968_1501445054.8807_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /> Now, a year later, I'm fully recovered and healthy, thanks in no small part to my family and loved ones who nursed me back to health.  I intend to return to Zion National Park in April 2018 to run the <a href="https://vacationraces.com/half-marathons/zion/" target="_blank">Zion half-marathon</a>.  This journey is partially for me, to close out a harrowing moment in my own life and to return to this beautiful place stronger than I was the first time.  But I was lucky, my tumor was caught before it could ravage my brain.  Many others are not so lucky.  So in addition to fulfilling my own personal journey, I intend to raise money for the <a href="http://braintumor.org/" target="_blank">National Brain Tumor Society</a> .    The National Brain Tumor Society is an excellent organization, committed to raising funding for basic research, clinical trials and the development of new treatments and therapies for those who were not as lucky as I was.  I will donate all money raised from this campaign directly to the NBTS.  Please consider making a small donation to my campaign, in whatever amount you choose.  I am deeply grateful for any help you can give.

Suneil Mandava

Mom and Dad Berardino

Mike and Lynn  Houy

Jacqueline Perlmeter

Fiorella Magani

Rick Sebak

Katie Howell

Mark Wallace

Sagar Shah

Jinie Kwak

Carol/David McManamy 

Shannon McManamy Guerra

Anonymous

Steve, Jordyn, Grayson & Duncan Berardino

Gregory Cogan

Sydnee Lucas

Lisa Marie

Casey O'Donnell

Nicolle D'Onofrio

Alex's Zion Half Marathon

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