MARQUETTE — IncredibleBank recently presented a $5,000 check to the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center as title sponsor of the Hope Starts Here Challenge.

This year’s event will be held virtually May 8-16. It raises funds and awareness for the UMBTC, whose mission is to empower patients and families dealing with brain tumors through advocacy, research, education and treatment.

The UMBTC is a collaborative effort between UP Health System, Northern Michigan University and the Superior Health Foundation.

“The generous support from IncredibleBank and the monies raised by the Hope Starts Here Challenge allow NMU students and faculty to continue research examining the biology of the most aggressive form of brain cancer, glioblastoma,” said Rob Winn, co-founder and director of the UMBTC and dean of Arts and Sciences at NMU, in a news release. “Using this knowledge and our unique collaboration with our health care provider partners at UP Health System allows us to determine how we might better advance the treatment of this devastating disease. Currently, much of our efforts are focused on how drug combinations might contribute to the effectiveness of current chemotherapy treatments.”

“UP Health System is proud to continue our partnership with NMU, the UMBTC and especially our title sponsor, IncredibleBank,” said Shane Kentala, operations manager for UPHS’ Brain and Spine Center. “Our community partnerships are what makes this collaboration a reality. Supporting the UMBTC helps to build the foundation of our future research scientists and medical professionals who will certainly one day beat this terrible form of cancer.”

The 2021 IncredibleBank Hope Starts Here Virtual Challenge features the following events: individual and team duathlon; half marathon; 31-kilometer, 10K and 5K runs; leisure walk; one-mile kids fun run; and a 10-mile mountain bike ride. Participants will run, walk or bike their chosen event and have the option to submit their self-timed result through their runner account online. 

“IncredibleBank is proud to support the IncredibleBank Hope Starts Here Challenge,” said Ashley Cody, market vice president, in a news release. “Giving back to our communities is at the heart of who we are. The collaboration of NMU and UPHS shines a light of hope in so many ways. From supporting patients/families, advocacy and education, the Hope Starts Here Challenge is an event that aligns with IncredibleBank’s community commitment. The reach of this event is vast and our community is fortunate to have this program in Marquette.”

Registration fees are $25 for adult races and $15 for kids. Those who registered by April 25 will be mailed a Hope Starts Here T-shirt before the start of the virtual event. For more information, visit hopestartshere.org.