Running for Answers

The Running For Answers 5K run/walk, founded in 2009, is the annual DTRF signature fundraising event. Held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it always takes place the day following our annual Patient Meeting. This allows patients, family members and friends to make a weekend of it in beautiful Philadelphia, spending a day of informative lectures and roundtables on desmoid tumors, followed by a race/walk the next day. Participants work to raise donations through their Firstgiving pages prior to the race. Read the report of the 2012 race below.

We have grown to about 700 participants, and anticipate even more in 2013. Join the fun! It is a healing and informative weekend. Register with DTRF to receive updates!

Interested in attending our 2013 event on September 28 & 29th? Visit www.runningforanswers.com for all of the answers to your questions, including our schedule of events and list of speakers. Registration opens on April 1! 

2012 DTRF Patient Meeting and Running for Answers 5K Fundraiser Break all Records!

Pictures from the 2012 RFA event are here!

2012 Patient Meeting

On October 20, 2012, 160 patients, family members and friends attended our 6^th Annual Patient Meeting at the Philadelphia Marriott Courtyard Downtown.  Our distinguished speakers were Raphael E. Pollock, MD, PhD (MD Anderson Cancer Center), Mrinal Gounder, MD (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center), Dina C. Lev, MD (MD Anderson Cancer Center), James Church, MD (Cleveland Clinic) and Benjamin Alman, MD (University of Toronto). 

Subjects discussed included tumor biology and current treatments, the ongoing Sorafanib (Nexavar) demoid study, the activity of Nefapam in desmoid tumors, beta catenin mutations in desmoids and treatment of desmoids in FAP.

Kevin Reilly, a former NFL player whose career with the Philadelphia Eagles was cut short by an arm and shoulder amputation from a desmoid tumor, gave a talk inspiring us to move ahead with courage.

And definite highlights were two speeches given by celebrity Rosie O’Donnell at both the Patient Meeting and Running for Answers.  With her characteristic humor she gave a lighter perspective to our plight as desmoid patients and hope for the future through raising awareness and funding for research.

Dr. Mehmet Oz of the famed Dr. Oz show sent a special video to play at the meeting where he expressed his support of DTRF and his desire to build awareness for the need to support desmoid tumor research.

The patient breakout sessions allowed for closer connections and commiserating as we could share with each other and also ask questions of the physicians and researchers.  It was an informative and inspiring day for all as we were renewed in our quest for a cure and uplifted for our journeys ahead.

2012 5K Run/walk Fundraiser

The patient symposium was followed by our 3^rd annual Philadelphia Running For Answers Race/walk.  More than 700 runners joined in the 5K race/walk and Kids Fun Run through Fairmont Park on a beautiful, sunny fall day.

We raised over $250,000 for desmoid tumor research!! The money was hard-earned by hundreds of patients and families who ran their own fundraising campaigns through their firstgiving pages.  And Rosie matched $52,000 of donations received by her wife, Michelle Rounds, on her fundraising page!

Kevin Reilly built enthusiasm for the event with several PSA’s on local tv and radio stations.  And he even brought along the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders!  Pat Ciarrocchi

of CBS-3 news and Talk Philly interviewed Rosie and generated local publicity. Check out Pat's interview and Kevin's PSA!

This incredible weekend always leaves us renewed and invigorated in our mission to fund research for a cure!  This fall DTRF marks its eighth year, and a banner year it has been! Thanks to everyone who participated and donated, and we hope to see you again in October 2013. Check out the details from our Patient Meetings and Running for Answers events in 2010 and 2011 and our race website at www.runningforanswers.com.