Weiner to be honored with special award

NEW YORK -- Voices Against Brain Cancer announced that Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Michael Weiner is the recipient of the non-profit's 2012 Vision of Hope Award. Michael will receive his award during Voices Against Brain Cancer's annual "Join the Voices! Run/Walk" on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in Central Park in New York at 8:15 a.m. The charitable event features a five-mile run, a scenic walk, kids' races and a fun family festival.

Michael has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumor since being diagnosed in August, and is honored to help Voices Against Brain Cancer raise awareness of this disease.

"You never know what fate has in store for you, and I'm grateful for the work that Voices Against Brain Cancer is doing on behalf of people like me. I am proud and humbled by this honor. I've received so much support from so many places, and I'm proud to try to give back. My only hope is to help raise additional awareness and funds for the research needed to combat this horrible disease," said Michael.

Michael and his family will be joined by members of the MLBPA staff and many friends during the Run/Walk, and he encourages others to support the cause on Dec. 2. To join Michael's team, please visit www.voicesinmotion.org/goto/FOM.

Proceeds from this year's "Join the Voices! Run/Walk" event will go toward the advancement of brain cancer research, as a testament of hope for the people in the world who are diagnosed with brain tumors. To make a donation or participate in the "Join the Voices! Run/Walk," please visit www.jointhevoices.org.

This year's honorees have been chosen for their continued efforts to help spread brain cancer and brain tumor awareness.

Additional award recipients include:
• Gary Lichtenstein Humanitarian Award: Dr. Andrew Lassman of Columbia University's Medical Center
• Courage Award: Daniel Gilligan; Gary Goldberg; Mitchell Kent; Jill Matthews; Scott Spoerl; Janet Stromberg
• Caregiver Award: Amy Reiling, Captain of "Team Lucas"
• Compassionate Care Award: Francine Armentano, NP; Cynthia Harrison, NP; Tina Sapienza, LCSW; Nicole Simmons, RN; Sandra Terzulli, RN; Minerva Utate, MSN
• Youth Ambassador: Kayla Thomas, Captain of "Captain Mark's Mates"

About Voices Against Brain Cancer
Voices Against Brain Cancer's mission is to help find a cure for brain cancer and brain tumors by advancing scientific research, increasing awareness within the medical community and supporting patients, their families and caregivers affected by this devastating disease.

Voices Against Brain Cancer has a wide variety of initiatives in place for brain cancer research, awareness and support. The organization's research grants fund cutting-edge programs that will have a monumental impact on the diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer. Currently, these grants are being funded at numerous esteemed institutions including: Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Harvard, John Hopkins, MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Yale and more.

For more information please visit www.voicesagainstbraincancer.org.