After being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Peoria native Mark Linder felt alone. He decided to create a place where brain tumor survivors and those still fighting the fight could support one another and contribute towards brain tumor research. In 2003, he founded Walk for the Mind.
Sadly, Linder lost his battle in 2005 at the age of 31 but not before he got to see his vision making a difference. Re-named after his death, the Mark Linder Walk for the Mind now attracts over 1000 participants from all over Illinois. For the eighth year, all net proceeds will be donated to the “Brain Tumor Research Program” at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Last year in 2018, $135,000 was donated to the University of IL College of Medicine at Peoria Brain Tumor Research Program.
“We are thankful for this wonderful partnership with the Mark Linder Walk for the Mind. Funds raised will help support Dr. Tsung’s vital research to understand the mechanisms that make cancers grow and invade,” said Dr. Sara Rusch, Regional Dean at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.
“This is research that we hope will lead to breakthroughs originating here in the laboratory at the College of Medicine and then someday translate to brain cancer treatment at the Illinois Neurological Institute here in Peoria”, said Dr. Rusch.
A non-profit organization, Mark Linder Walk for the Mind has donated over $765,000 towards brain tumor research that stays in Central Illinois. For more information, find us at www.marklinderwalkforthemind.org and on Facebook.
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