Brain-Up 5k walk and run raises funds and awareness for fight against brain cancer

CHICAGO – Hundreds of walkers and runners met on the lakefront Saturday morning for the ninth annual Brain-Up 5k walk and run aimed at raising money and awareness in the fight against brain cancer.

WGN's Jackie Bange was proud to be part of it.

One group of participants wearing blue shirts with angel wings walked in memory of 70-year-old Angel Eduardo Perez.

"When you met him, he lit up the room. He was very social, engaging, and cared about life," Angel's son, Chris Perez, said.

Five years ago, Angel died from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He left behind a wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Over 1,500 runners and walkers who participated have been touched by glioblastoma.

Members of "Team Kevin" came up from Cedar Lake, Indiana.

"He had glioblastoma, had it for nine months and he passed away," Jennifer Bultema said.

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Kevin Bultema, 43, died in April 2023.

"It's been a long rough road, but we're getting there. It's hard. She's got five kids, you know?" Kevin's mother, Doreen Bultema, said.

Josh Bultema, 18, pointed to his father Kevin's picture in Brain-Up's sunflower memorial wall. Just above his photo was 22-year-old Olivia Kresach, who died in 2014.

It's Olivia's parents who founded Brain-Up.

"With this event, her legacy continues and her life continues to give back, as do everybody who participates. We couldn't be more thankful," Olivia's mother, Meg Kresach, said. "Remembering her today just warms my heart."

Their loss is shared by so many, but has led the way to raising $2.5 million for research an clinical trials in Chicago.

"It was our dream to get this together, but really it's for everybody. It's their dream, too," said Dan Kresach, Olivia's father.

Saturday's event raised over $1 million. Half of the funds came from Danny Parkins, formerly of 670 The Score.

Parkins hosted a 24-hour radiothon in August called "Cubs for a Cure," raising $556,000. It was in honor of his brother who died of brain cancer last year.