When Jennifer McClure named her brain tumor "Fred," she never expected to one day lead hundreds of walkers in an annual mission to send tumors like his packing. But this fall, she'll do just that.
The annual "Walk Ahead for Brain Tumor Discoveries" returns Sunday, October 19, 2025, to Cincinnati's scenic Sawyer Point - and this year's event is more personal than ever. Walk Ahead benefits the Brain Tumor Center at the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
"After waking up from a seizure in 2013, I had no idea it would mark the beginning of a decade-long journey - not just of recovery, but of advocacy, leadership and hope," says McClure. "This event gave me purpose when I needed it most. Now I get to help others find that same spark."
The annual 5K walk/run brings together more than 1,500 patients and over 50 teams of caregivers, researchers and supporters. The goal? To raise awareness and funding for life-saving brain tumor research happening right here in the Queen City.
A CT scan reveals McClure's golf-ball-sized tumor, which she lightheartedly named Fred - a foe she was determined to defeat. Photo/provided
McClure's journey began in 2013 with a single nighttime seizure - and a shocking diagnosis: a meningioma tumor pressing behind her right eye. With no family history or known risk factors, the news was as unexpected as it was frightening.
World-renowned UC Health neurosurgeon and UC emeritus professor Mario Zuccarello, MD, successfully removed the tumor, but McClure's path didn't end there. What followed was a grueling round of 33 radiation treatments and ongoing physical therapy with Phil Cadman at Premiere Physical Therapy.
"I receive physical therapy every month to regain control of my eyelid muscles," McClure says. "The nerves were wrapped around the tumor and got bruised during surgery, but my doctors believe I can still make progress."
Watch as McClure is interviewed about her journey by WLWT5's Sheree Paolello and Mike Dardis.
Cincinnati brain tumor survivors celebrated resilience at the annual Walk Ahead fundraiser. Photo/provided
Proceeds from Walk Ahead fuel game-changing research at the UC Brain Tumor Center. Just a few of the center's groundbreaking advances include:
- A Phase 2 clinical trial repurposing a breast cancer drug to fight glioblastoma
- The development of a kinase-targeted therapy for aggressive tumors
- 3D-printed brain tumor vascular models to fast-track drug testing
"In fact, a UC-led research study explored the connection between hormonal therapies, such as birth control pills or injections, and the development of meningiomas in women," McClure says.
It's a discovery that may offer answers for future patients and deepen McClure's personal mission.
"It's not just about me anymore," McClure says. "When I shared my story, others started telling theirs. The Walk Ahead event is more than fundraising, it's about building a community of support and awareness."
With a proud smile, McClure joined fellow survivors at the 2024 Walk Ahead event, a living testament to hope and healing. Photo/provided
This October, the UC community and beyond will gather once again - not just to walk or run, but to honor stories like McClure's, celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and fuel the future of brain tumor care.
"Because when we walk together, we move science forward," McClure adds.
Walk Ahead for Brain Tumor Discoveries
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Cincinnati's Sawyer Point
