Go Gray in May for Bray
Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer deaths in children and the most common solid cancer in people under the age of 20 in the United States. Despite the research progress over the last several decades, the survival rate for many pediatric brain cancers remains unacceptably low. The survival rate for pediatric high-grade gliomas, the brain cancer that Brayden had, is less than 20%. The median survival is less than 2 years. Brayden passed away just 18 months after being diagnosed with a high-grade glioma.
Childhood tumors are fundamentally different than those found in adults. Yet many pediatric brain tumors lack a defined standard of care, because all the treatments were created for adults. The government allocates just 4% of its annual cancer research budget to pediatric cancer.
Go Gray In May for Bray is The Brayden Cole Hinck Foundation's annual school and community program recognizing Brain Tumor Awareness Month each May.
Created in Brayden's honor, the program teaches students about pediatric brain cancer while encouraging them to make a positive difference through kindness, service, and community involvement. Together, schools turn awareness into action, bringing hope to children and families facing pediatric brain cancer.
This Year's Impact
This May, students, families, teachers, and staff from Bay Laurel, Chaparral, Round Meadow, and Lupin Hill Elementary Schools, along with A.C. Stelle Middle School and Calabasas High School, united to honor Brain Tumor Awareness Month and Brayden's legacy.
Students wore gray, learned about brain health, created cards, posters, bracelets, and quilt squares for patients at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, participated in "Be Brave" and "Find Stars" activities, tied ribbons of encouragement, and collected toys to bring comfort to children undergoing treatment.
Bay Laurel Elementary led an inspiring campus-wide effort, raising nearly $3,000 for the Foundation while creating a school-wide display celebrating courage. Students' artwork was also featured during Open House, helping spread the message to even more families.
On National Go Gray Day, supporters gathered at local restaurant, The Stand, to raise awareness and funds for children and families affected by pediatric brain cancer.
Every activity, donation, and act of kindness helped turn awareness into hope. We are grateful to every student, educator, family, and community partner who made this year's program such a success.
If your school is interested in participating in any way, please e-mail info@fightforbrayden.org.
Every act of kindness helps ensure Brayden's legacy lives on, inspiring others to Be Kind. Be Bold. Be Brave.
