Keep Punching 5K Raises Funds to Fight Brain Cancer

May 21, 2018May 21, 2018 Staff Report

Seven-year-old Ella Turnquist and her 4-year-old sister Emily, second from left, both of Syosset, N.Y., stretch before the fifth annual Keep Punching 5K. (Photo by Steve Ruark)

More than 620 people turned out on May 20 for the fifth annual “Keep Punching 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk & Kids Races” event at Goucher College in Towson.

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Keep Punching is a nonprofit that supports patients, health care providers and researchers to prevent and eradicate brain cancer and minimize treatment-related side effects. All proceeds raised by the group assist patients, families and clinicians pursuing cancer-related therapies.

The organization was founded five years ago by Pikesville residents Beth Flaks Fisher and her husband, Daron, who succumbed to brain cancer in August of 2013.

The May 20 gathering raised approximately $30,000, the largest amount in the event’s history. “Largest Team Award” went to For Pete’s Sake, while the “Top Fundraiser Award” went to Michelle Gerber of Team Carmela.

Prior to the event, Beth Flaks Fisher and Keep Punching received an official citation from the Maryland General Assembly and the 42nd legislative district of Baltimore County. Presenting the award was Sen. James Brochin (D-42nd).

“I am overwhelmed by the ongoing devotion and generosity of our supporters,” said Fisher. “Keep Punching is stronger and more active than ever. We are on a mission to knock brain cancer out for the count.”

For race results, visit results.charmcityrun.com/content/keep-punching-5k-1-mile-walk-2018.

Keep Punching’s next event will be its third annual bull-and-oyster roast and silent auction on Sept. 15 from 7-11 p.m. at Columbus Gardens, 4301 Klosterman Ave. in Nottingham, Md. For information about the organization, visit KeepPunching.org.