WACO, Texas — Gabriele “Gabe” Grunewald has been fighting back against a rare salivary gland cancer since 2009.
She was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma three times, and still fights the disease today.
As the disease progresses, Gabe is fighting back in more ways than one.
In 2018 she started the Brave like Gabe Foundation, which is now a 501(c)3 nonprofit. After she met Chip Gaines in New York, it started to take off.
"It was really a synergy when I did meet him," Grunewald said. "He was all on board for funding research so that's the main thing that has changed."
Grunewald was out for a run in Central Park with her husband, and Chip Gaines was sitting on a bench at the park. They talked about running.
Less than a year later, the Silo District Marathon was born.
Now it's an annual event.
Sunday, more than 6,000 runners and even more supporters came out to Magnolia Market for the second annual Silo District Marathon.
The event raised close to $300,000 for cancer research and prevention.
Grunewald said around $225,000 of that money would go to the Brave like Gabe Foundation and would be filtered to other foundations that support rare cancer research.
"We are a volunteer organization right now," Grunewald said. "We just want to give it to the people doing the work and following the science."
Grunewald said $75,000 would go to Waco’s McClinton Cancer Center for equipment that would help fight breast cancer.
Grunewald still runs today but needs better treatment options as her fight against cancer continues.
“It’s been a rough year," Grunewald said. "My cancer has progressed so I’m on a new drug that’s a little bit harsher than the other treatments I’ve had. There is no FDA approved treatment for my cancer, so it’s a little bit off the beaten path."
Magnolia Market Spokeswoman Sara Angel said Magnolia is already planning a third annual marathon event for April of 2020.
Angel said people could register at an upcoming Magnolia expo.