Race for Grace continues fight against pediatric brain cancer

NORTH HUNTINGDON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Thousands of people participated in the Race for Grace Saturday in North Huntingdon Township to benefit families affected by pediatric brain cancer and research of the various forms of the disease.

Marking its seventh year, the race is named in memory of 5-year-old Grace Ekis who lost her battle with an incurable form of brain cancer in 2008.

As part of the Reflections of Grace Foundation, Grace's parents created the event to help other families with children fighting brain cancer, and to raise awareness and support research aimed at finding cures.

"Thank you for joining our battle because you are needed. We cannot do this without you," said Tamara Ekis, Grace's mother.

Saturday's race was held at Norwin High School.

Ekis said, "Our hope is that someday we don't have to do this, that we find a cure, but until then we'll be here racing on, continuing the battle of so many children, and we thank our supporters so much."

In the last seven years, the Reflections of Grace Foundation has collected more than $450,000 and has helped 135 families of children fighting brain cancer across 29 states.

WPXI