They asked their family and friends for help in raising $1,000. They’ve raised more than $5,352.20 and donations are still coming in.
This Sunday, Brian Brownrigg, his sister Kate Brownrigg, and cousin, Carolyn McMannama, will run their first marathons — 26.2 miles — in the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon in St. Louis, Mo. The cause: to raise money for cancer research in honor of a family member, Betsy Brownrigg, and others battling ovarian cancer.
The Brownrigg family has been touched and overwhelmed with the donations coming in.
“When we set the goal, we decided we didn’t want to push our friends and family much,” Brian Brownrigg said. “But the response has been overwhelming and many people have given much more than we ever expected. It means a lot. People are doing it knowing it’s for a good cause, in honor of Betsy and others. It’s been very touching.”
The funds raised will benefit Liz’s Legacy, a fund named in honor of Liz Karnes, to advance cancer research and care at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. Liz Karnes, who was a friend of the family, passed away in April 2003 after struggling with ovarian cancer for 12 years.
“I’m very excited about the marathon,” Brian Brownrigg said. “The idea came about while having a family gathering last October. We kind of dared each other to take our casual running to the next level and then started talking about ‘why not do a marathon together.’ Then we talked about doing it for a reason. We decided Liz’s Legacy would be a great thing to run for.”
A contingent of people plan to go to St. Louis to cheer the three on at the finish line. They include Kate Brownrigg, wife of Brian Brownrigg, (Kate shares the same name as Brian’s sister, Kate, her sister-in-law) and their two children, Lauren, 3, and Harrison, seven months, Brian’s mother, Betsy, his father, John, and Carolyn’s parents and brother. They also expect to meet up with Kara Karnes, daughter David Karnes and the late Liz Karnes, who also will run in the marathon.
Betsy Browning is thankful for supportive family and friends. “My children, family and friends have been so supportive, but I sense that they have felt helpless,” said Browning. “This marathon seems to be a way for each of them to do something positive, not only for me, but for other mothers and daughters faced with ovarian cancer. My life has been truly blessed by family and friends.”
The family have no doubt the three will complete the marathon. In preparation for one of the most physically and mentally challenging feats, the three runners have been running four to five days a week.
“We expect them to finish,” said Kate Brownrigg, wife of Brian Brownrigg. They’ve taken this very seriously,” said Kate.
For more information about Liz’s Legacy Fund, visit the web site at: www.lizslegacy.com.