"30 for Ana" Turns into 30 Miles AND More than $30,000!

Before Ana Barron Garcia passed away from Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) at 35 years of age, she was on a mission to educate her community on the little known but deadly form of breast cancer which often strikes Hispanic women. After her death, her family continued her mission. In October they also honored her memory and provided for women like her with their “30 for Ana” Run benefitting The Rose, the nonprofit breast health organization where her cancer was diagnosed.
Not only did the 25 runners cover 30 miles, they also exceeded their $25,000 goal and raised more than $31,000 to support uninsured women who need screening or diagnostic services at The Rose.

As a result, “30 for Ana” was the top non-corporate fundraiser for The Rose in October. In November, The Rose announced a record-breaking 83 fundraisers were put on by schools, sports teams, beauty product retailers, restaurants and bars in support of The Rose. And those activities brought in more than $235,000 in what is nationally deemed “breast cancer awareness month.”

"It was very important to us that we give back to The Rose.  The Rose was instrumental in Ana's diagnosis and supported her along her journey,” said Daniel Barron, Ana’s brother, who initiated the fundraiser last year along with his sister Sandra, brother Johnny, and Ana’s husband Gerry Garcia. “During her battle, Ana was also an advocate for The Rose and helped to educate and spread awareness of Inflammatory Breast Cancer.  As Ana's Angels, we want to continue Ana's mission of spreading IBC awareness, and using that as our driving force, raise money for The Rose." 

The early morning run covered a route intentionally designed to trace many of the significant stops on Ana’s journey as she battled the disease -- MD Anderson, Houston Hospice, The Rose – and concluded at Grandview Cemetery in Deer Park where Ana is buried.

Six years younger than Ana and an avid runner, Daniel told the crowd gathered to celebrate the successful run that it was a small way to connect with his sister’s ability to endure physical challenges as she fought the disease. “Running 30 miles isn’t anything compared to going through cancer but you do have to push yourself,” he noted.

While last year’s run was focused on four individuals covering the 30 miles, this year teams were formed in order to make shorter distances an option. The shorter distances meant Ana’s children Bryanna, now 13, and son Maverick who is nine years old was able to run alongside (and sometimes ahead) of their father, Gerry, who is not a sport runner but still participates in the event at the 30 mile level.

Runners included: Aurora Pecero, Bryanna Garcia, Cathy Capetillo-Malone, Crissy Pena, Daniel Barron, Diana Tejeda, Erin Villasenor, Gerry Garcia, Ginger Stagg, Helen Martinez-Barron, Jeremy Peña, Jesse Pena, John Barron, John Reid, Jonathan Pena, Jorge Olvera, Julie Cruz, Julio Aguilar, Kevin Pena, Leticia Peña Martinez, Lucia Vasquez, Mark Ramos, Miranda Romero, Roxy Riggs-Mounter, Sandra Aguilar, Valerie Ramos, Veronica Ramos, and Vicki Sheppard.

Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and Co-Founder of The Rose joined family and friends who met at the grave to welcome the runners at the completion of the half-day event.

“Ana was special to us in so many ways,” said Gibbons. “She was not just a patient. She volunteered. She educated others about how aggressive Inflammatory Breast Cancer can be. And she lit up the room with that gorgeous smile. I know she would be smiling now at how compassionate and generous her family has been to the women we continue to serve.”

Supporters who helped make the large donation possible included family, friends, as well as organizations and businesses such as The Corridor Shops in the Heights, Dr. Shirley Parikh with Bristles Family Dentistry, and University of Houston Alumni with Cougar Punch Tailgating.

For more information on The Rose, visit www.TheRose.org.