Bowling for a Cause

Palisadian Hosts Fundraiser for Brain Cancer Research in Honor of Late Son

By JENNIKA INGRAM | Reporter

Palisadian Michele Hunter is turning to her community to encourage youth and families to join a bowling fundraising in honor of her son, Sean, who passed away from an inoperable brain tumor in 2017 at age 22.

“I picked bowling because everyone loves it and it’s multigenerational,” Michele shared with the Palisadian-Post.

The Sean Hunter Research in Action Bowl will take place on Sunday, March 1, from 4 to 7 p.m in Santa Monica. The event, which will raise funds and awareness for brain cancer research, will include bowling, food, drinks, music, arcade games, entertainment and a silent auction.

Bowlers may join as individuals, as well as starting or joining a team.

Michele has partnered with the Uncle Kory Foundation to help host the event, allowing her to continue her mission to help others and fund Dr. Santosh Kesari’s research.

After having great success with neurologist and neuro-oncologist, Kesari, who accepted Sean as a patient when no other doctors would, she remains supportive of his work and has made it her life’s mission to help continue his research. Proceeds from the event will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Institute, under the direction of Kesari.

To date, The Sean Hunter Research in Action programs have raised over $450,000 for brain cancer research and clinical trials. So far they have raised more than $32,000, with a fundraising goal of $100,000, for the Action Bowl.

“Doctors told my son to go home to hospice,” Michele wrote on the flyer. “I couldn’t accept that for my child, so I found someone who wouldn’t either. Together, Dr. Kesari and Dr. Kelly were there to fight with us, to give Sean hope when there was none.”

Michele added that Kesari understands the urgency of improved response to therapy and is working to accelerate the development of novel therapies for brain cancer through drug innovations, immunotherapies and efficient trials.

“Let’s keep moving in Sean’s honor, and in honor of everyone affected by brain cancer,” the event website reads. “We hope you’ll support our efforts by participating, donating and helping to spread the word about this important cause. We look forward to bowling with you.”

The event will take place at Bowlmor, located at 234 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica.

To register, fundraise or donate, visit support.unclekory.org/seanhunter.