Running for One Who Ran Out of Time

NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The incidence of brain tumors has more than doubled in the past decade, and still no one knows why. Fourteen runners strong, Team BTF is raising money for programs sponsored by The Brain Tumor Foundation, particularly Road to Early Detection, the first-ever national campaign promoting early detection of brain tumors by providing a Mobile MRI Unit offering free brain scans throughout the five boroughs of New York City. This initiative is soon to be nationwide.

Yacov Wrocherinsky, age 51 and a member of Team BTF, will be running the ING New York City Marathon for the second time.

"The first time I ran the New York City Marathon was twenty years ago," recalls Wrocherinsky. "I barely trained and believe me, my body did not take kindly to so many ill-prepared-for miles."

But this time around is much different. Yacov will be running in memory of his assistant's brother, Jeremy Estrada, who was only 27 years young when he died of a brain tumor.

"I will be carrying his picture with me, right next to my iPod so I can see him throughout the race. Running in his memory is an inspiration that goes beyond the joy of raising money for a charity. The gift of having known him remains, even though he has passed on."

Yacov will present his medal at the finish line to Jeremy's mother.

The Brain Tumor Foundation guides and supports patients and their families through the turbulent times when their lives are touched by a brain tumor while working to raise awareness about the importance of the early detection of brain tumors. The Foundation offers support groups, peer matching programs and medical referrals in addition to its informational website, www.braintumorfoundation.org.

For more information regarding Road to Early Detection, go to www.roadtoearlydetection.org.  To arrange for an interview with Yacov Wrocherinsky, please contact Gerry Napoli at (212) 489-0600.

SOURCE Brain Tumor Foundation