Exciting times with the BP5K

It was quite an eventful weekend for the Brain Power 5K and myself as the director of the BP5K. As you probably know the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon was this past Sunday; put on by the unbelievably talented team at Conley Sports. Their team kindly invited my husband and I to their VIP Reception for the Austin Marathon the Friday before the race. This is always a beautiful evening held downtown that we thoroughly look forward to and are so appreciative to even be invited.

Kelly Bolinger w/Mercedes Orten, Race Coordinator for the Cap 10K

The night progressed with fun conversation, meeting new friends and the anticipated race excitement! Then it was time for John Conley, the Race Director of the Austin Marathon and CEO of Conley Sports to begin his program for the evening. He gave an amazing tribute to an extremely accomplished Veteran that had lost his hard-earned medals over the years and presented him with new ones! It was very touching and had the entire room covered in chills or with tears in their eyes. Mr. Conley then went on to introduce the Mayor of Austin, Steve Adler, and give out many words of thanks including their presenting sponsor Freescale.

Here I am in complete shock.

Mr. Conley then began speaking about a very special award, called the David Doolittle Memorial Cup. He described this as the 'highest honor awarded by the Austin Marathon organizing team.' We were in the back of the room continuing to enjoy the presentation and wonderful night. THEN, I hear Mr. Conley go into more detail about this award...and that this years recipient was diagnosed with a Ganglioglioma II in 2006 at the age of 28 and had started the Brain Power 5K! I could NOT and still can't believe it!

Kelly Bolinger and John Conley

 I do not want to share this with you to 'toot my own horn', but to congratulate YOU! The Brain Power 5K was created after I survived a grand mal seizure, a diagnosis of brain cancer, brain surgery and the long recovery that followed.(follows) I only had the idea and was personally scared to death that nothing was being done here to help families facing brain tumors. I wanted to change that. But you, all of YOU are what makes the BP5K the amazing success that it continues to be! YOU are the reason that our fundraising has grown by 337% in only 4 years! And you are the reason that the BP5K has amazingly raised over $241,000 that has been donated to brain tumor research and patient programs in this short time! YOU are truly amazing and I congratulate you all!! There is everyone to thank in making this happen including our generous Sponsors, Volunteers, Team Leads, Planning Committee, Survivors, dedicated families and teams and all of our participants. Thank you all.

Article in the 2015 Austin Marathon Guide

Please continue to share the Brain Power 5K with all of your friends and family and anyone that will listen. Let them know why it is important to you, why they should join you on race day and why it is so important to fund-raise for our worthy mission.

This year will be our BIG 5 Year Anniversary Race, so you don't want to miss it!






Mark your calendars:
-Saturday, May 2nd: 3rd Annual Brain Power-thon (all brain tumor survivors are invited to join as a team to complete a marathon distance, relay style walking/running)
-Monday, May 11th- BP5K Kick-Off Party with The Rankin Twins at the Rattle Inn
-Sunday, September 13th- 5th Annual Brain Power 5K at the Cedar Park Center!!
Check our Events Page for all upcoming events!

I can not thank John Conley and his team at Conley Sports enough for this wonderful recognition and genuine enthusiasm in our necessary mission. It is with encouraging hearts like yours that we are able to reach new and higher achievements. I am beyond grateful and truly appreciate this incredible award, in honor of the late David Doolittle and his highly respected legacy. Thank you so very much.

~Kelly

Kelly and John Bolinger