**Malia's Cord Foundation 5k Race/Walk for the Cure**

Kirker Kubala, Inc. was not only a proud sponsor of the Malia's Cord 5K race, but Paul Kubala and Venessa Rumancik were also proud participants!  Friend and business associate Dan Heck, of Denier Electric, and his wife are the parents of Malia and here is her story!:

"Six years ago, 2 year old Malia was diagnosed with an intramedullary astrocytoma, a tumor within her spinal cord.  Despite two surgeries within 10 months, surgeons were unable to remove the entire tumor.
Because the tumor cells had so infiltrated the tissues of the spinal cord, full removal would have resulted in neurological damage ranging anywhere from minor sensory loss to major paralysis.  Radiation, although the gold standard of treatment, came with potentially devastating consequences for a young child.  Although, chemotherapy had not proven very effective on this type of tumor, Malia received a 12-month chemotherapy regimen, prescribed as a measure to temporarily inhibit further growth of the remaining tumor.
Despite the prognosis of likely recurrence, Malia is presently enjoying remission from the tumor.  With the exception of MRI scans every six months, life seems quite normal for Malia and her family."

"The first Malia's CORD Foundation 5k Race/Walk event was held October 24, 2009 at Devou Park.  Participants enjoyed the off-road double loop 5k route that twists and turns throughout one of the area's most beautiful and scenic parks.  The children enjoyed the playground, pumpkin painting, tattoos, balloons, face painting, nail painting and games."

If you would like more information, please visit www.cordfoundation.org/node/177