2016 Fall/Winter Highlights of Hope
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(LEFT) RACE DIRECTOR PAT RINGNALDA AND FRIENDS AT THE 5K.<br />
THE <strong>2016</strong> BEE BRAVE 5K<br />
Hundreds <strong>of</strong> West Michigan runners<br />
and walkers laced up their shoes and<br />
brought incredible energy to the ninth<br />
annual Bee Brave 5K on Oct. 8. As<br />
always, 100 percent <strong>of</strong> the proceeds<br />
from the event go directly to the labs<br />
at Van Andel Institute (VAI) to support<br />
breast cancer research.<br />
“The Bee Brave 5K has supported the fight<br />
against breast cancer since its inception,<br />
and has not only been an incredible<br />
financial success, but has formed an<br />
unshakable sense <strong>of</strong> community among<br />
participants,” said Ringnalda. “I found this<br />
same powerful sense <strong>of</strong> togetherness at a<br />
Purple Community event last year and felt<br />
compelled to translate the funds raised<br />
into local dollars that benefit breast cancer<br />
research at Van Andel Institute, right here<br />
in West Michigan.”<br />
A celebration <strong>of</strong> brave women and families<br />
affected by cancer, the Bee Brave 5K<br />
included music, door prizes, an award<br />
ceremony—and most importantly, a sense<br />
<strong>of</strong> comradery that comes from sharing<br />
an important goal. This annual event is a<br />
memorable event that serves as a source<br />
<strong>of</strong> strength for participants long after<br />
race day.<br />
RUNNERS AT THE NINTH ANNUAL BEE BRAVE 5K.<br />
VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 11
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