About Us

 

2024 presenting checkANGELS AMONG US 5K & Walk for HOPE, originally known as the Duke Forest 5K, originated as a hastily sketched out plan on the back of a napkin during a lunch break in 1992. Two Duke employees had each lost a family member from a brain tumor and wanted to make a difference. Both family members received treatment at Duke, so they chose to direct their efforts to the Duke Brain Tumor Program. The original dream stated that all funds raised would go to research. 

Today, Angels Among Us is a celebration of life, strength, courage and commitment. It has become a national event, with thousands coming from across the country to volunteer, participate, and make a difference. In addition, The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor staff comes together to volunteer their time and help with this all-important effort. Our clinical staff and researchers look forward to seeing patients and their families.

The event begins with a 5K run through the Duke Campus and then features a Walk for HOPE through the beautiful Sarah P. Duke Gardens. The event has a family-friendly focus with food, activities, and prizes for children. During the ceremony, the grand total for the event is announced. Also, awards are given to our top 10 fundraising teams and the top five creative team T-shirts.

The success of the event continues to grow each year with the help of many committed volunteers, Duke Staff, and the hundreds of teams made up of families and friends of those who have had brain or spinal tumors.

All proceeds go directly towards research and clinical trials of brain and spinal tumors at The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. The money is used to fund crucial initiatives that address the greatest needs and have the most impact on the lives of all brain tumor patients, support new and innovative research and treatments, assist with the recruitment of the most outstanding research staff and personnel, and purchase essential equipment and supplies.

Together, we can make a difference. At Duke … there is HOPE.