Honoring loved ones at Jones Beach

Hundreds made their way to Jones Beach State Park on Saturday to remember loved ones, connect with others interested in a charitable cause and help educate others on the diverse needs of the brain tumor community at the third annual Long Island Brain Tumor Walk. 

The 5K, organized by the National Brain Tumor Society, drew a crowd of about 1,000 people and raised more than $178,000. Representatives said that, thanks to participants’ dedication and generosity, they exceeded their $165,000 goal. 

Funds raised at and for the charity walk will allow the National Brain Tumor Society to advance research and public policy to improve the availability of new and better treatments, and fuel the discovery of a cure for brain tumors, according to the group. The organization has hosted various events around the country, including New York City, for nearly 50 years. 

At the Long Island event, many of the participants were on fundraising teams, collaborating with friends and family members to collect money for the charity in honor of a loved one. Team Vinny and  Team Cell Crushers were the top fundraisers, gathering a combined $27,000 for the cause. 

Other participants and teams sported light blue shirts at the walk to show support for the brain tumor awareness campaign. To find out more about the cause, donate and/or attend future fundraisers, visit www.events.braintumor.org.