Running for Research
by Wendy Niles
On May 3, as the sun begins to rise in downtown Sanford, runners from across Central Florida will gather for the 10th annual Melissa’s Race to Battle Brain Cancer. This special event is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for brain cancer research, in the hopes that a cure will be found for the disease.
Jeff and Sue Vosburg of Sanford started the 5K run/walk in 2015 in memory of their daughter, Melissa Vosburg, who passed away from brain cancer in 2013. A Sanford resident and teacher at Midway Elementary School of the Arts, Melissa was only 35. She was passionate about teaching and loved helping kids, especially those who were disadvantaged.
“Melissa was extra special, always upbeat and smiling,” says Sue. “We were very, very close.”
In the fall of 2012, Melissa began to suffer from migraines. Although they lasted for months, she didn’t think much about the headaches until they became so unbearable that her family insisted she go to the doctor.
“It all happened so quickly after that,” says Sue.
A Shattering Diagnosis
The doctor immediately sent Melissa for a scan, which led to an appointment with a neurosurgeon and a biopsy. It was just after Christmas, and no one in the Vosburg family could imagine how much their world would change in just a few days.
The results revealed that Melissa had glioblastoma, the most common and most aggressive type of brain cancer. Although there is no cure for the disease, Melissa faced her diagnosis the way she did everything in life, with a positive spirit and an attitude that embodied her favorite saying: “It is what it is.”
Melissa bravely fought the cancer head on, but her fight would be shorter than anyone expected. She succumbed to the disease just 50 days after her diagnosis.
Every day, 520 people are diagnosed with a brain tumor, according to the Melissa’s Race website. In the weeks before she died, Melissa became aware of just how little is being done for brain cancer research. She wanted to change that and bring more awareness to the cause. Tragically, she would not get the chance to do that, herself.
And so the Vosburgs made it their mission to bring their daughter’s vision to life. Melissa’s Race has indeed brought awareness to brain cancer research, and since 2016, it has donated more than $575,000 to the AdventHealth Cancer Institute.
A Lifeline for Families
With an average of more than 1,200 participants, Melissa’s Race has been a lifeline for the Vosburg family and many others with similar stories. It’s the connections that Sue and Jeff have made along the way – the partnerships and friends that have kept them going.
“Yes, it’s a race,” says Jeff, “but it’s more than that, it’s a community.”
The annual event brings people together from all walks of life and with all types of cancer. The Vosburgs’ goal is to make the 10th anniversary race the biggest one yet.
Sponsors, vendors, food trucks, raffles, and sales of merchandise including butterfly necklaces will be part of the event. The necklaces are linked to a butterfly release that’s held during the closing ceremony. Jeff and Sue incorporated a butterfly release into the event because they often saw yellow butterflies flying around them after their daughter’s passing.
“It was a sign,” says Sue. “The butterfly release is a very special part of the event, and everyone loves it.”
All proceeds from the race are donated to brain cancer research thanks to the continued support of the event’s partners and sponsors, which include Park Jewelers and Front Running Sports.
Melissa’s Race will begin at 7:00 a.m. May 3 at the Sanford Civic Center park at 401 East Seminole Boulevard. The top runners in each category will receive awards.
To register or to learn more, visit MelissasRace.org.