2022 Fall/Winter Highlights of Hope

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PURPLE COMMUNITY Border to Bridge Run: Charging across Michigan for breast cancer research Three hundred and thirty-five miles. That’s how far three Van Andel Institute Purple Community supporters ran in one week in June. Their physical journey, from the Indiana-Michigan border to the Mackinac Bridge, took only eight days, but it was the culmination of years of effort, dedication and passion. Becky Bravata, Lieschen Jacobs and Liz Burnis began brainstorming ways to get involved during the height of the pandemic, looking to merge their love of running with a meaningful cause. The result was the Border to Bridge Run, an ambitious endeavor to test their endurance and raise funds for breast cancer research. Their training was grueling but worth it: 40 miles on Saturday and another 40 miles on Sunday. The preparation matched the pace of the event, where the three women ran 40 to 50 miles each day. It was a physical challenge, overcome by determination and passion for the cause. “There was never a moment where we wanted to stop. We were on a runner’s high all week long,” Bravata said. “We encouraged each other, and we were cheered on by family members, friends and total strangers who walked, ran or drove alongside us.” All three women have been impacted by cancer, knowing friends and family members who have faced the disease. Their experiences, combined with hundreds of stories on social media, played a key role in inspiring the Border to Bridge Run. An inspiration they relied on during the most challenging terrain: they were doing this for those who are no longer here, Jacobs said, and those who are living with cancer every day. “This was an unforgettable adventure, but we did it to help address breast cancer,” Jacobs said. “There was always a vivid reminder that we’re doing it with a very specific purpose and with the hope that we can make a difference.” 20 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE
In addition to running, the trio took time to make dedications to those who donated, sharing the names of survivors, donors and those impacted by breast cancer at various mile markers throughout their journey. It felt like they were running with everyone who donated to their event, Burnis said, making every stride just a bit lighter. Bravata, Jacobs and Burnis completed their journey shortly after 7 p.m. on June 11. They were met by their families, who cheered them along for the last few steps. After crossing the finish line, they waded into the Straits of Mackinac and shared an emotional moment together, their hands on the bridge. A few weeks later, the trio visited the Institute to present their donation: more than $30,000 raised for breast cancer research. “Everything exceeded our expectations,” Burnis said. “We are so grateful to sponsors, those who donated and those who helped us succeed. To beat our goal, and to be able to deliver it to the Institute, it was an unforgettable experience.” To learn more about VAI Purple Community and how to start your own event, visit vai.org. A decade of hockey and hope: 10th Annual Griffins Purple Community Game Van Andel Institute’s success depends on a vibrant community, and the Grand Rapids Griffins continue to help elevate the passion for Van Andel Institute Purple Community. For the last 10 years, thousands have gathered at Van Andel Arena to cheer on the Griffins — all while benefiting the Institute’s research and educational programs. First held in the 2011–2012 season, the Griffins Purple Community Game aims to engage ardent hockey fans with VAI’s mission while raising awareness and creating connections with VAI Purple Community. Fans have enjoyed a multitude of purple swag, including limited-time purple concession items and special edition purple jerseys. The 2022 Griffins Purple Community Game raised almost $50,000, bringing the total funds from this partnership to more than $320,000, all of which supports research and education initiatives at VAI. Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Lake Michigan Credit Union. (LEFT) LIZ BURNIS, LIESCHEN JACOBS & BECKY BRAVATA CELEBRATE IN THE STRAITS OF MACKINAC (ABOVE) BORDER TO BRIDGE RUNNERS CELEBRATE WITH THEIR FAMILY & FRIENDS (RIGHT) GEORGE SHARPE SR. PERFORMS THE PUCK DROP AT THE GRIFFINS PURPLE COMMUNITY GAME, JOINED BY LINDA SHARPE, GEORGE SHARPE JR. & ELLE SHARPE VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 21
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2022 Fall/Winter Highlights of Hope

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