Farewell and the Future, by Kelly Bolinger

I started the Brain Power 5K in 2011, 4 years after being told I had brain cancer- our daughter was 6 months old at the time in 2006. My life was suddenly surrounded by fear: fear of the unknown, fear of the known, fear of the future and fear of no future at all. I was very scared. And I had no one to talk to.

Thankfully after surgery, recovery and further searching I learned of the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation and their unmatched dedication to beating brain cancer. Their biggest event is their annual Run for the Rose every spring in Houston. My family attended for our first time in 2008 and that was the very first time I met another person that had had a brain tumor and brain surgery- it changed my life. The Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation gave me hope, courage and companionship that I needed to heal. I will forever be grateful to them.

My goal in creating the Brain Power 5K was to create a community to connect for our Central Texas families and individuals that had been affected by brain tumors, raise necessary funds to improve research for a cure and assist patients in need. I wanted others in Austin to get that feeling I had at the Run for the Rose. I feel like we have made a wonderful close-knit group for our survivors and families and that a cure is getting closer and closer. It is obvious that the BP5K is filling a necessary void as is evident in the race's success starting in our first year in 2011 raising $26,000 with 400 in attendance to our 5th year raising $105,000 with a crowd of 2,000!

It is with great difficulty that I am sharing with you that I have resigned from the Brain Power 5K.  This decision was one of the hardest I've made in my life. I have learned such valuable lessons from creating and directing this organization that I will take with me for the rest of my life. You all have become life-long friends that have supported our cause and myself in immeasurable ways. Each of you have made such an extensive impact on me and I am so thankful for the memories and all around amazing experiences. You not only encouraged myself but also my family and I truly appreciate you. I so very much loved doing this with you, growing with you and learning with you. It was so much fun! In stepping away from the race, I look forward to spending more time with my family.

This race wouldn't be anything without the people. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, generous donors and sponsors, Committee Members, Team Leaders, runners and walkers the Brain Power 5K has been a resounding success. You are what makes the BP5K special! Thank you all! Thank you for all the hours, weeks, months and those that have been with the BP5K for years- thank you!

With that news- I couldn't be happier to share with you your NEW race director, Mercedes Orten!! Mercedes comes to the BP5K after 5 years of organizing Texas' largest 10K, the Austin American Statesman Cap 10K! She also has an extensive background in fundraising, event directing, promotions, team coordinating and more! Over the years, if I ever had a 'race-directing question', Mercedes was my go-to. It is a perfect fit for her to join the BP5K! Unfortunately, her sister is receiving treatment for brain cancer currently, so please send your encouragement and well wishes as their family battles along this course. Mercedes is very eager, excited and thrilled to meet you all and get things underway for the 6th Annual BP5K on September 11, 2016!

You can read more about Mercedes here. As you can see, Mercedes has been a dedicated supporter of the BP5K!!

Thank you again for your trust and encouragement these past 5 years! It was amazing and a time I will treasure always.

~Kelly