This outstanding organization has an unwavering dedication to discovering a cure for brain tumors! Over the last ten years, The Brad Kaminsky Foundation has DONATED over $1 Million to research, fueled by the blood, sweat and tears of the founder, along with a growing collection of committed partners. The BKF team works tirelessly and efficiently to make the most of the resources that they are entrusted with.
My name is Rhonda Finkel. In 2009 I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I had my surgery @ UCLA. My brain tumor had melanoma cells on it. I had stage 4 melanoma on that tumor & on my arm & in my lung. I found out about The Brad Kaminsky Foundation through UCLA & that TBKF was putting on a walk / run for brain tumor research. I was so excited I got a team together & we were called THINK POSITIVE!!!!!! Lisa Kaminsky Millar who started this foundation lives in VA but comes to Los Angeles every year to put on this event .
It is a 5K , 10K & a kids fun run along with booths & lots of fun things to do with families who have a loved one they have lost to or dealing with a brain tumor currently.
Lisa comes to Los Angeles with her parents & family & interns to put this event on. No individual I know does this... travels from one state to another to help the hospitals here in LA. Big companies & corporations do but not an individual . Brad Kaminsky was her brother & she vowed to do anything & go anywhere to help find a cure. This November 8th 2015 will be my 7th year doing this walk. I was cancer free January 19th 2010 & so proud & lucky to have met Lisa & to do this walk every year. Not only does she put on a walk in LA she puts on golf tournaments , dance a thons, & a walk @ Penn State University .. Lisa is also a wife, & a mommy with3 kids.
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I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May 2009. My surgery was @ UCLA & the tumor had melanoma cells on it. I had Stage 4 melanoma. In Oct. 2009 I found out about the Heroes of Hope Race for Research that The Brad Kaminsky Foundation ~~ TBKF puts on here in Los Angeles. I immediately had my family sign me up & we made a team called THINK POSITIVE. I met Lisa & was so in awe of what she does. She comes to LA from VA with her family, parents, & volunteers to put on this walk to raise money for hospitals here in LA. I was on my chemo that week but everybody believed in me & I couldn't let anybody down. I finished that 5K & Lisa was right there @ the finish line cheering me & others on. She puts on countless events: golf tournaments, dance-a thons, etc. all year long to raise awareness & funds for brain tumor research!! Families call Lisa to ask for help when one of their loved ones get diagnosed with a brain tumor because she she knows so many of the neurosurgeons so she can help anyone no matter where they live. I will always support this non-profit. Lisa does this while taking care of her husband & raising 3 children & always with a smile. Lisa is amazing!!!!! This will be my 6th year doing the Heroes of Hope Race for Research this weekend here in LA.
xoxoxo
Rhonda Finkel
I have been a contributor to The Brad Kaminsky Foundation since it began. I knew Brad personally and followed his struggle. Alan Kaminsky, Brad's father and one of the founders of TBKF worked hard to find a treatment for Brad and ultimately extended Brad's life for a time. Since then, Alan, and Brad's sister Lisa have worked tirelessly to raise money for brain tumor research.
I donate to TBKF knowing that 100% of my contribution goes toward research. My wife and I have learned to ask solicitors, "How much of my donation will go directly to the cause?" Sometimes we are shocked to hear that " 7% goes to the charity." meaning that 93% goes to administration and fund raising costs.
Remember, when you give to The Brad Kaminsky Foundation 100% goes to research.
I've had the pleasure of knowing Lisa, founder of TBKF, for over 3 years, and til this day, I am amazed by her endless efforts to advocate for such a great cause. I had lost my mother to brain cancer (amongst other health problems occurring simultaneously) 9 years ago, and found out about TBKF on a limb. Since then, I've gotten to know more about her passion and dedication to the organization. Lisa is truly a rare gem. I am in awe of her character.. Lisa has a real heart for others , and it shows through her work in this organization, and also in her life. :)
