On Saturday, a beautiful September day, I organized the Lori Weiss Memorial Run/Walk. For me, this event was a deeply personal tribute to a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister. Lori’s sudden and tragic passing left an indelible mark on her family and friends.
Lori’s journey was one of love and devotion, yet it ended too soon. Persistent headaches led her to seek medical attention repeatedly, but despite her determination to find answers, her condition went undiagnosed. The day she collapsed remains a blur of heartbreak for her family as we watched helplessly while Lori spent her final days in a coma, passing away shortly after her 60th birthday. Her loss was a devastating reminder of the silent threat posed by undiagnosed medical conditions, such as brain aneurysms.
The Bee Foundation
In the wake of this tragedy, Lori’s family and friends rallied together, determined to turn their grief into a force for good. The Lori Weiss Memorial Run/Walk was organized to raise awareness and funds for The Bee Foundation (TBF), a nonprofit dedicated to brain aneurysm research and prevention. TBF provided invaluable support, guiding many towards necessary medical resources, and their mission resonated deeply with me.
Part of a larger series
This event was part of the larger TBF Race Series, a nationwide initiative during Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, that brings communities together in a united front against this silent killer. Last year’s events raised over $80,000, and this year, hearts are set on surpassing that milestone.
Before the Lori Weiss Memorial Run
After people were registered, I got on the megaphone and read the following that I wrote for the event:
Thank you for gathering here today for the Lori Weiss Memorial Run Walk. We greatly appreciate your time and your donation.
As we come together on this beautiful Saturday, September 14th, we celebrate not only Lori’s life but also her enduring legacy of compassion and generosity.
Lori was my sister and a beacon of love and selflessness. Tragically, she passed away just as she turned 60 from a brain aneurysm.
It was an incredibly difficult time for all of us, watching someone so dear slip away. Yet, even in her passing, Lori continued to give. As a dedicated nurse, she devoted her life to caring for others, and her decision to be an organ donor exemplifies her endless generosity.
Lori missed out on so much, and we miss her dearly every day. It’s in her spirit of giving that we named this run after her. Lori didn’t just touch lives professionally; she saved mine.
She guided me to the Bee Foundation, which has been invaluable in my own journey with a brain aneurysm.
Through this event, we aim to raise awareness and funds so that other families can be spared our experience. By recognizing early signs, we can help prevent aneurysm ruptures and save lives.
As you run, walk, or stroll along the three-mile course today, I invite you to reflect on the joyful moments shared with Lori.
Let her memory be a blessing, inspiring us to spread kindness and support to those around us.
A special shout out goes to the Mt Sinai Department of Neurosurgery for their generous donation. Dr. Christopher Kellner was my surgeon and he was absolutely wonderful. Thanks to Jillian Beroza for helping us spread the word as well. I would also like to thank Auntie Anne for their generous donation of pretzels for all attendees. I would like to thank my family especially, my nieces – Stefanie and Jessica, Lori’s daughter’s for spreading the word. And, to my running group for their on going love and support. Special thanks to our volunteers. And, I would like to thank all of you for coming out today to support this event.
Thank you for your participation and for helping make a difference.
At the Lori Weiss Memorial Run
Participants of all ages came together, some running the 5K, others run/walking or just walking the 3.1 mile run, each step taken in solidarity and shared purpose.
In-person and virtual participants received commemorative race t-shirts and swag bags. All in-person registrants who came, also received a beautiful butterfly medal, which was sponsored by Mount Sinai Department of Neurosurgery.
Winners of the Event
There were three winners – Kristen Horn came in 1st place overall, followed by Tim Healy. Hasan Balkas came in 3rd place. This was Hasan’s first 5K race.
Members of the WeREndurance run/walk group and triathlon team supported the event.
I was so grateful that most of WeREndurance run/walk group and WeREndurance Triathlon team supported the event. I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life.
In addition to those who registered, I want to acknowledge, Dawn Ferruggiari, Danielle Ferruggiari and Jodi Kahn for volunteering with registration, handing out medals and also selling raffles for The Bee Foundation.
A special thanks goes to my training buddy and friend, Ray Cushmore for getting out early and marking the course. That was such a huge help to me!
Lori’s Legacy
Lori leaves behind two amazing daughters, three grandson’s, and a host of family and friends members that deeply loved her. Because of what happened with Lori, I found out that I too had a brain aneurysm. Thankfully, it did not rupture and because a flow diverter stent was put in the back of my head, the aneurysm is 95% gone. Thanks goes to Dr. Christopher Kellner at Mount Sinai Department of Neurosurgery, who also sponsored the run/walk. It shows his continued dedication to the community.
The Lori Weiss Memorial Run/Walk stands as a testament to the power of love and community. It is a poignant reminder of Lori’s enduring impact and a rallying cry for awareness and action. Through this event, her legacy lives on, inspiring others to join the fight against brain aneurysms.
To support The Bee Foundation and learn more about brain aneurysm prevention, visit their website. Together, we can turn pain into progress and ensure Lori’s story continues to make a difference.
