10 Years of Melissa's Race

Ten years ago, the Vosburg family founded Melissa’s Race in honor of their daughter and sister, Melissa, who survived only 50 days after her Glioblastoma Multiforme diagnosis. Despite being the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer, GBM has no cure.

Melissa was a passionate teacher and educator in Sanford. When she began to get what she thought were migraines, she tried to shake them off, because her family had a history with migraines; but, by December, it had gotten so bad that she couldn’t get out of bed. After a CAT scan, Melissa received her diagnosis. Years before, Susan G. Komen’s sister spoke at Melissa’s college commencement; this inspired her during her battle with GBM, and Melissa knew she wanted to be an agent for change for brain cancer. The family formed Team Melissa and walked the Miles for Hope 5k at UCF; this is where they knew they would continue this work with Melissa’s Race.

When the Vosburg family created Melissa’s Race, they weren’t sure what they were doing—but they weren’t going to give up, because Melissa never gave up. Now, their 5k averages over 1,200 participants, with over $700,000 raised since its inception. The most unexpected part of this journey, Jeff Vosburg shared, has been the incredible community they’ve built; “it’s still surprising how many people we encounter that have been touched by a brain tumor—whether themselves, family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers. We all share a bond that goes beyond fundraising. To many of us, it’s personal.” Each year, a “Wall of Remembrance” is displayed, where photos of those who are currently fighting and those whose battles are over are shown.

“[Melissa’s Race] is a way to support, to encourage, to grieve, and to give hope to others,” Jeff shared on what ten years of the race has meant to him. He shared a fond memory of a man who, battling brain cancer, walked the 5k supported by the help of his friends and family: “For him, it was about showing his will and determination to finish. When he crossed that finish line, we all had tears in our eyes.”

Melissa’s goal was to raise awareness for brain cancer globally and continue to fund vital research to give those affected more hope, and, eventually, find a cure. “We continue to race in her name and honor. We hope to grow [Melissa’s Race], but it will always be the Race with a heart, the Race that cares.” The Vosburg family was honored with the Community Catalyst award at AdventHealth Foundation’s Celebrating Generosity event in February for their continued and unwavering support of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute.