Media Advisory: Students, faculty, staff and friends will ‘Hit the Bricks’
In 2003, students at Wake Forest University started a tradition of running an eight-hour relay race along the brick pathways on campus to raise money for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. The race honors Piccolo, an alumnus who attended the University in the 1960s and became a running back for the Chicago Bears. His story is featured in the 1971 movie “Brian’s Song.”
Who: Wake Forest students, faculty and staff as well as friends of the University will race to see who can run the most laps around Hearn Plaza and raise the most money.
What: The Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund was started by students in 1980 in memory of the Wake Forest All-American football player, who passed away at age 26 from cancer during his career with the Bears (2013 story).
At the inaugural Hit the Bricks, 17 teams participated and raised nearly $4,000. Twelve years later, the total amount raised for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund has reached nearly $200,000. This year’s goal is to have 100 teams and raise $30,000 to find a cure for cancer. All of the funds raised support the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
For more information about Hit the Bricks and the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund, please visit http://wfuhitthebricks.com.
When: The race starts at 11 a.m. and concludes at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2. A final remembrance lap for cancer victims and survivors culminates with a luminary ceremony in front of Wait Chapel at the end of the event.
Where: Hearn Plaza at Wake Forest University
About Wake Forest University:
Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.
