Events
Place
Danville, VA US 24541
Description
This is a 5K out and back course on West Main St. starting and finishing in Ballou Park.
Fee: 5K $30 pre-registration $35 day of race
Location: Ballou Park
Times:
- 5k Run/Walk @ 7:00 PM
- Kids fun 1 mile Run (ages 0-9) @ 6:00 PM (Finisher Ribbons for all)
After Run Activities:
- Awards
- Friday night DJ/Food trucks
**To guarantee you get a T-Shirt Register by April 15th**
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Running for a Cure
What is Glioblastoma (GBM)?
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and devastating form of brain cancer. It affects thousands of families every year, with a median survival time of just 12–15 months after diagnosis, despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. GBM can strike anyone, regardless of age or health, and currently, there is no known cure.
Tragically, only about 1% of all cancer research funding is allocated to brain cancers, including GBM, making it one of the most underfunded areas in cancer research. This lack of funding severely limits the ability to discover new treatments and improve outcomes for patients and families facing this disease.
Our nonprofit was founded in memory of our father, who bravely battled GBM, to raise awareness, support families, and fund research efforts to find a cure. Every step taken during this 5K helps bring us closer to new discoveries, better treatments, and hope for those affected by this devastating disease. By participating, donating, or spreading the word, you are helping honor his legacy and fuel critical research that could save lives in the future.
For more information on GBM you can visit: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17032-glioblastoma
Who is Tommy?
Simple put: A man who dedicated himself fully to serving others.
Who he is to us: Dad.
A proud Danville native, he grew up on Westview Drive and graduated from George Washington High School, where he was a member of the band. He continued his academic journey at Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) as part of the Corps of Cadets, building the foundation for a life rooted in discipline, service, and integrity.
After college, he returned home to serve his community with the Danville Police Department for seven years. His passion for helping others then led him to the Lynchburg Police Department, where he continued his service for another seven years. He later transitioned to the Lynchburg Fire Department, combining his commitment to public safety with his skills in IT, and ultimately continued that work with the City of Lynchburg through the end of his career.
He devoted his life to helping others in every role he held, always putting service above self. In November 2021, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), a battle he faced with unwavering strength, courage, and faith. His motto throughout it all was, “It might kill me, but it won’t destroy me.” And it never did. He passed on May 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, resilience, and a family that deeply loved him.
He remained a pillar of strength, grounded in his faith, and a loving husband, father, brother, and son till the very end. His legacy lives on not only in the lives he touched through his service, but in the love he gave so freely to his family and community.
This run and nonprofit were founded by his three daughters, Sophie, Taylor, and Sarah, to honor their father’s memory, and continue his spirit of helping others.
This run is to honor his memory—to honor his life, his strength, his unwavering commitment to others, and to help aid in finding a cure for GBM.
