Event Description

Joy's Journey for Brain Cancer 5k Run & 1 mile Walk on Saturday, May 16th, 2020, in downtown Winter Haven, FL. This event is a fundraiser benefiting an effort to launch a nonprofit to provide financial assistance for family's recently diagnosed with primary brain cancers and cancer research. It's a fun, challenging, and certified chip-timed 5K run/walk, and 1 mile fun walk for kids and adults, located in Downtown Winter Haven through Central Park and on the scenic Chain of Lakes Trail. This event is in honor of Joy Cochran, a native resident of Winter Haven and retired City of Winter Haven Employee who started her battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer during the summer of 2019. 

Glioblastoma Brain Cancer is the deadliest primary brain cancer anyone can be diagnosed with regardless of race, age, or gender. Joy, a native resident of Winter Haven, FL, have a deep love for the city, history, and preservation of records. The doctors gave her 12-18 months to live. This diagnosis was a hard blow for her and her family. She has undergone 3 brain surgeries to remove tumors. She went through 6 weeks of concurrent radiation and chemotherapy, and continues to be a warrior. There are 13,000 people diagnosed every year with no cure in sight for Glioblastoma. Joy's Journey for Brain Cancer nonprofit would exist for Winter Haven, Polk County, and US residents, who are diagnosed with GBM, or any type of brain cancer to receive <$1000 per request in assistance with medical or personal health needs. Learn more at https://joysjourney.us/.