The Cure Starts Now: Awesome Ali's 5K

Photos submitted by Alex Turner.

Alex Turner

The Wisconsin chapter of The Cure Starts Now was started in honor of our friend, Alison Verhaalen, by her mom, Tricia. Our friend Ali passed away at the age of 10 years old from an incurable brain tumor,  DIPG.  Ali was a bright, smiley, and silly girl. We have many fun memories with her doing sleepovers, Girl Scouts, dance, and swimming. Ali was a great friend to all. Her contagious smile will never be forgotten.

Despite being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor at age nine, Ali fought to live her life to the fullest. Her spirit of bravery was felt just by being near her, and she showed us what it meant to fight and persevere.

Being so young it was hard to understand what Ali was going through. Ali made this easier for us by being so brave and having a strong faith in God. Now that we are older, we continue to fight for her by spreading awareness about DIPG and sharing her story.

Please join us for a 5K run/walk in honor of Alison Verhaalen. This event will help raise money for The Cure Starts Now which is an organization that helps fund research to find a cure. Please help us honor our best friend. We miss her very much!

EVENT DETAILS

You can choose to participate in this event either virtually or in person. 

Adult Registration: $35 
Youth Registration ages 5-10: $25 
If you plan to participate with your loyal pooch, show off your dedication to the cause with a Dogs V. Cancer bandana for an additional $7!
Register before midnight April 25 to be guaranteed your preferred shirt size. Any registrations made after April 25 cannot be guaranteed their preferred shirt size.

T-shirt pick up will be Friday May 17th at Sparklers Dance Studio, 4-6PM.

If you’d like to participate in person the details are as follows:
When: May 19, 2024 at 12pm
Where: Ali’s Neighborhood (Click for a map of optional route here!) 
Parking and the start/finish: Kohl's Wellness Center  W165N5595 Creekwood Crossing | Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

To participate virtually grab some friends and walk in your own neighborhood or an area of your choosing on May 19 at a time that is convenient for you. Please post pictures showing your support on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #AwesomeAlis5k so we can like them! You can also post to The Cure Starts Now/Wisconsin Chapter FB page.