2024 KAT-Walk & Karo-5k
The 16th Annual KAT-Walk & Karo-5K for Brain Aneurysm Awareness took place on September 22, 2024, in Portland. Families from Maine and across New England came together to celebrate their survival or to honor the memory of loved ones lost to brain aneurysms. The weather cooperated beautifully for the event, attracting over 250 participants who “shared their tears, remembered with love, and walked and ran to honor.”
One of the key highlights of the day was the award of the 2024 Scholarships to five students pursuing degrees in Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. We extend our gratitude to the Scarborough High School Cheerleaders for their annual support and to former Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen, Maddy Jarvis, for performing the national anthem.
This year, 21 brain aneurysm survivors, along with their families and friends, took part in the event. Fifteen teams were acknowledged for their fundraising achievements, including top fundraisers such as Team Karolina, Team Cheyanne, Team Heidi, Nolan’s H.E.R.O.s, Team Rebecca Joy, Burrivivors, Island Girls Rock, Rock the Walk Blue, and more. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our 2024 Honor Team – the Artful Dodgers, formed in memory of our co-founder, Art Piteau.
Thanks to your generous contributions, we raised over $20,000 once again to promote brain aneurysm awareness, education, research funding, and general support for the brain aneurysm community in Maine and northern New England. To all the families who participated, whether to celebrate survival or to remember those lost – thank you for joining us and for your ongoing support in making this day special for so many affected by brain aneurysms.
Special Thank You for Photography:
- David Colby Young from Maine Running Photos
- MBAA Committee member Steve Callahan
- Allyn Genest from Kennebunk, Maine
- Jon James for the drone footage
