Run for the Rose Celebrates Tenth Anniversary of Supporting Cancer Research and Children's Health in Houston

MD Anderson News Release March 09, 2012

Event began to honor the legacy of Marnie Rose, M.D.

MD Anderson News Release 03/09/12

Cancer survivors, patients and families will take to the streets again to raise funds for brain cancer research, while celebrating a decade of progress which has resulted in more than $2.4 million in donations to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital.

The run will be held at Reliant Park on Sunday, March 25 at 8 a.m. It supports MD Anderson's immunotherapy research, new drug development and clinical trials for patients with brain cancer, as well as neuroscience research initiatives and the Pediatric Palliative Care Program at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital.

"I think Marnie would have tears in her eyes to see what her family has done and how much she's inspired others," said Amy Heimberger, M.D., associate professor in MD Anderson's Department of Neurosurgery.  "The funds we receive are absolutely crucial for fertilizing and fostering scientific innovation."

Marnie's parents, Jerry and Lanie, organized the first race in 2003 as a tribute to honor their daughter and make a difference in the lives of other patients facing a similar diagnosis.  Each year, the event has increased in both participants and donations, and has become a family affair for many Texans.

"We're continuing our momentum; this year, we hope to raise more than $460,000 and be joined by 5,000 supporters on the day of the race," Lanie Rose said.  "Our family has been touched by the generosity of the community and to see this event grow over the years has been very special."

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 22,000 new cases of brain cancer will be diagnosed in 2012 in the U.S. and more than 13,000 people will die from their disease. Rose was 27 years old and in the first year of her pediatric medical residency when she was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer.  Despite her diagnosis, she agreed to share all -- her cancer journey, personal life and professional duties as a medical resident -- with a TV crew from the ABC reality series "Houston Medical" in 2002.

Rose died on Aug. 23, 2002, from cancer complications, just five weeks after the show's final episode aired.

"Brain cancer robbed our daughter of her career, her mobility and then her life, but it never diminished her sense of humor, spirit or will to survive," Rose said.  "We are determined to continue the work she began."

Run for the Rose is a certified 5K race/walk; other race-day activities include a 1K family run/walk and a post-race party at the Reliant Center for participants. For interested runners, the 5K run will be chip-timed.

Awards will be given to male and female 5K participants who finish first, as well as the top three male and female finishers in specific-age categories.  To be eligible for an award, participants must be chip-timed and registered for the competitive 5K Run.  All children completing the 5K and 1K will receive medals.

Registration for Run for the Rose is $30 per adult for the competitive run, $25 per adult for the noncompetitive run and walk, $15 for children ages 12 and under for the competitive run, and $12 for children ages 12 and under for the noncompetitive run and walk.

Entry forms for both events are available by logging onto www.runfortherose.com, or by calling (713) 723-7847.  Runners and walkers will receive a commemorative T-shirt. 03/0/12