Husker Football Road Race Continues Tradition of Supporting Pediatric Brain Cancer Research
When in-person events on campus were canceled for the summer due to COVID-19, the Husker Football team had to adapt their plans for the 2020 Nebraska Football Road Race.
By News Channel Nebraska
Lincoln, NE – When in-person events on campus were canceled for the summer due to COVID-19, the Husker Football team had to adapt their plans for the 2020 Nebraska Football Road Race. Although the Husker Football Team couldn't physically come together to host the annual event, they kept the eight-year tradition alive by hosting the 5k and 1-mile fun run virtually.
Runners participated in the event by running locally on their own and posting their times and encouragements on social media. Just under 100 runners participated, raising more than $8,000 that will be donated directly to the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at UNMC for pediatric brain cancer research.
This research helps fund new treatments options that improve access and comfort for Nebraska families.
The Simants family, is one of these families and they recorded a special video to thank runners for supporting life changing research. Grady Simants was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in 2015. He currently receives treatment in Omaha and the money raised through the Nebraska Football Road Race help make treatment close to home possible. "We are always searching for treatments and for cures," Grady's mother, Jodi explains. "This money helps us and you all help us so much."
Families like the Simants are the reason why the Huskers are so passionate about this event. The Nebraska Football Road Race was created in 2011, after Husker Running Back Rex Burkhead created a bond with pediatric brain cancer survivor, Jack Hoffman.
Burkhead was one of several Husker alum and supporters to film a short message to runners. He thanked runners for their part in raising funds, "A cure has not been found yet, but we are getting closer and we're getting better treatment options for these kids because of people like you."
Since 2011, the Husker Football team and several other Husker athletes have rallied around the cause, connecting with even more kids and spreading hope.
The Nebraska Football Road Race is co-sponsored by the Lincoln Track Club. The success of this event would not be possible without their leadership, in addition to the continued support of the runners, donors, and running community in Nebraska. Together, more than $250,000 has been raised over eight years.
The Huskers look forward to continuing this tradition next summer at the 2021 Nebraska Football Road Race.