Waves of Gray 5K in Jacksonville Beach raises thousands for brain cancer research

Hundreds took part in the Waves of Gray 5K in Jacksonville Beach on Saturday.

The walk started at the Jacksonville Beach Pier, with about 703 participants, according to the walk’s organizer Dianne Fenton Waters.

The mission of the walk is to raise awareness of brain cancer and tumors, as well as funds for research.

Waves of Gray said 100% of the funds raised go to the Waves of Gray Neuro-Oncology Endowment, which supports research programs at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center in Jacksonville.

The walk was created in memory of Fred K. Fenton, who lost his battle with glioblastoma in 2016.

Glioblastoma, which has also claimed the lives of Senators Ted Kennedy and John McCain, is the most common cancer that starts in the brain, according to MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Waters said initial estimates show that the walk raised around $55,000, and then she said Baptist Foundation matches 100%.

To learn more about Waves of Gray, click here.

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