Celebrate Life Run
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Martin Berkofsky has a lot to celebrate. On April 9, the internationally renowned pianist and music scholar began an 880-mile run from Tulsa to Chicago. Berkofsky’s “Celebrate Life Run” was celebrating his 60th birthday and his victory over cancer.
Berkofsky successfully won his battle against cancer in 2000 after undergoing treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in Tulsa. He cites his treatment at CTCA as inspiration for his journey.
“I returned from CTCA with a new outlook on life,” he says. “I came back with a conviction that caring works – it works at every level. I returned with a commitment to help other cancer patients.”
His Celebrate Life Run raised over $80,000 for Cancer Treatment Research Foundation (CTRF) through per-mile sponsorships from supporters and donations at several piano concerts he performed along the way. A CD of Martin’s music and shirts commemorating the event were available at all his concerts, with proceeds benefiting CTRF.
Berkofsky kicked off his run in Tulsa on April 8 – his 60th birthday – with the first CTRF benefit concert. His Celebrate Life Run began the next morning, April 9. Martin planned to cover 10 miles each day, six days a week--a goal he often exceeded. Martin reached his destination – CTCA's facility headquarters in Zion, Il, north of Chicago.
“I maintained a mild jogging pace, so I invited anyone to run along with me for as much or as little as they please,” Berkofsky said.
Photos and Berkofsky’s personal journal will be available at www.CelebrateLifeRun.com.
An American of Russian origin, Berkofsky is known not only for his recordings with the London, Berlin, and Seattle Symphonies, but also for his highly acclaimed performances in 25 countries. He is renowned in the music world for his Liszt performances and has produced nearly 150 radio and television broadcasts over the course of his career.
After recovering from a tragic accident in 1982 that threatened to end his career, Berkofsky dedicated himself to performances that benefit others. He is the founder of the Cristofori Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for charitable causes.
Cancer Treatment Research Foundation supports research for the innovative use of conventional cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, as well as for the best science-based complementary medicine. Because CTRF supports clinical research that has already passed the test tube stage, the foundation’s research findings create immediate treatment options for patients. The goal is to accelerate the most promising research from the laboratory to the bedside. Unlike many not-for-profits, 99 cents of every dollar donated to CTRF goes directly to cancer research. For additional information on Cancer Treatment Research Foundation, visit www.ctrf.org.
About Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a national network of hospitals providing a comprehensive, fully integrated approach to cancer treatment. CTCA serves patients with complex cancer from all 50 states at facilities located in suburban Chicago, Philadelphia, Tulsa and suburban Phoenix. Known for delivering the Mother Standard® of care and Patient Empowerment Medicine®, CTCA provides patients with information about cancer and their treatment options so they can control their treatment decisions. For more information about CTCA, go to www.cancercenter.com.
