2024 Team Brave Like Gabe x TC 10 Mile
The Brave Like Gabe Foundation was honored to be an Official Charity Partner for the 2024 Medtronic TC 10 Mile. Our incredible team of charity runners raised over $10,000 for rare cancer research.
Meet our 2024 Twin Cities Marathon Weekend Charity Runners
Traci Bennington
“I am running this year's TC 10 Mile for the Brave Like Gabe Foundation because, through my own storm, I continuously reminded myself of the storms Gabe weathered. Despite everything, she faced challenges head-on with a positive energy and never gave up. I may not be my pre-2021 self (seriously, who is?), but I am becoming a new version of strong and confident because, as Gabe reminds me, ‘It's okay to struggle; it's not okay to give up on yourself or your dreams.’”
Jill Courtney
“Gabe is such an inspiration. I first learned about her through her documentary with Chip Gaines, The Courage to Run. I learned that she also was from Minnesota and ran cross country! Gabe had such a positive attitude throughout her whole cancer journey. I have her sticker on my water bottle and I think of her every time I see it. I want to help raise money for rare cancer research!
Maria Linn-Evans
“This year, I am celebrating my 5-year thyroid cancer anniversary by running my very first marathon. On October 8th, 2019, I underwent a total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection to remove my thyroid and nearby lymph nodes after a diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma. This experience was scary and life-altering, and it took some time to start feeling like myself again. Running after my surgery helped me find peace with my body and improve my mental health, while also connecting me with the incredible Minnesota running community. Running a marathon feels like the perfect way for me to celebrate 5 years, and it also gives me the opportunity to support a charity team who's mission is very dear to me - Brave Like Gabe.”
Thana Hussein
“As a fellow Gopher and former track and field athlete, I deeply admire Gabe's strength and determination in the face of adversity. Running the TC 10 Mile for Brave Like Gabe would be an incredible way to honor her legacy and support the fight against cancer, a cause that resonates with me personally. Just like Gabe, I know the power of running – it's not just about physical endurance, but also about mental resilience and pushing your limits. By running this race, I hope to inspire others and contribute to the vital research and support that Brave Like Gabe champions.”
Emily and Bryce Richter
“Bryce and I are running the TC 10 mile in honor of Gabe, and in support of the amazing work the Brave Like Gabe Foundation is doing to fund rare cancer research and support cancer survivors through physical activity. We're hoping to raise $1,405 (Gabe's favorite number!) for BLG to support in their efforts.”
Kurt Larson
“Moving our bodies is a privilege. And as long as I can do that, I want to make an impact with my activity. That's why I'm running this year's Twin Cities 10 Mile race with Brave Like Gabe.”
Katy Fini
“I've always been drawn to Gabe's story, but last year I went through my own cancer battle. Luckily for me, I got the most researched cancer- breast- and received very well-researched treatment. Cancer sucks regardless, but I'd love for more people to be able to have the plethora of options and support that I had, regardless of their diagnosis.”
Todd Ley
“Running is the "medicine" that I need in my life. The experience of running is feeling free and helps me live a balanced life. I accidentally found Gabe's story and it has inspired me to help an amazing charity and give me a deeper purpose for my life and with this race. Help us find the "medicine" needed to help find a cure for this rare cancer, let's do it for Gabe and others that are fighting and searching for a cure.”
Jenna Lewein
“I ran at the University of Minnesota--Twin Cities and knew not only Gabe but also her sister Abby. The Twin Cities hold a special place in my heart, where I made lifelong friends and experienced being a tight knit team who came together to support Gabe when she was first diagnosed. I want to run in the 2024 TC 10 Mile for BLG to celebrate the memory of Gabe, who maintained her role as a team leader even in the shadow of her illness, as well as her sister Abby, who I remember offering loving support to her sister through her treatments. I want to acknowledge the life of two of my teammates who worked every day they were alive to make the world a better place.”
Christine Thorn-Fischer
“I have always been inspired by Gabe. From sitting on a couch in college watching her compete at the US Championships in the midst of her chemo, to hearing about her from those who knew her personally. The way she continued to run and spread joy during an incredibly difficult period of her life was something I couldn't comprehend. Until I could. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer in January of 2023. During some of the darkest days of my life running was something that kept me, me. Now that I am on the other side of chemo and radiation, building up my mileage and putting races on the calendar has helped me feel more and more like the Christine I was before my diagnosis.”
Jillian Casey
“Gabe Grunewald passed away 11 months after my aunt. I didn't know of her until she was gone, and I cannot explain why I felt so connected to her story, but being part of the Brave Like Gabe community changed me for the better. In her honor, as well as in memory of my aunt Kathy, I'm challenging myself to do this 10-mile race on what would've been Kathy's 64th birthday. Any support you can provide, donations or good wishes, would be greatly appreciated!”
Katie Hickman
“Cancer affects too many people in this world, including my family and friends. There are several people that are stilling living their best lives after a cancer diagnosis because of the cancer research that has happened and the treatments that have been discovered! Receiving a rare cancer diagnosis is even worse. Gabe Grunewald took her terrible news and continue to push towards her dreams while encouraging others to do the same. I am choosing to run to bring awareness to the case while helping to fund-raise to support rare cancer research so when that next cancer diagnosis is received it is followed with hope as there are treatments available.”