Wake Forest to hit the bricks Oct. 1 for cancer research fundraiser
Student leaders at Wake Forest University have rallied the community to run laps around Hearn Plaza on Oct. 1 for Hit the Bricks, all to raise money for cancer research.
Hit the Bricks logged records last year for participation and funds raised. The annual fundraiser supports cancer research in honor of Brian Piccolo. Piccolo, a Wake Forest All-American football player, lost his battle with embryonal cell carcinoma at the age of 26 while playing in the NFL for the Chicago Bears. The film “Brian’s Song” tells his story.
Participation in Hit the Bricks goes beyond to the Wake Forest community. Anyone can register to run or donate toward the cause.
Laps start after a brief opening ceremony at 10 a.m.
The preliminary total amount of money raised by this year’s Hit the Bricks will be announced during the closing ceremony at 6 p.m. on the Quad, near Wait Chapel. In 2025, Hit the Bricks raised more than $360,000.
Piccolo’s daughter, Traci, and cancer survivor Jamie Valvano, daughter of legendary N.C. State basketball coach Jim Valvano, will join the Hit the Bricks student leaders at the closing ceremony. Jim Valvano died of cancer in 1993 after establishing the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Members of the media are invited to cover Hit the Bricks on Hearn Plaza from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1. For information, contact Alicia Roberts at (336) 758-3185 or .
Since Hit the Bricks began in 2003, more than 20,000 participants have raised over $1.8 million for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Fund. Wake Forest hosts other annual events to support research and programs at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, raising more than $6.5 million to date.
Don’t miss these themed laps
- 10 a.m: Onesie lap – Nothing says comfort and courage like running your relay lap in a cozy onesie.
- 11 a.m: Monochrome Outfit Lap – Pick a color and commit to it! The more creative and coordinated your single-color outfit, the better.
- 12 p.m: Football lap – Show us your best spin moves, cuts and jukes while running with a football (with the Wake Forest football team).
- 1 p.m: Turn the quad into a dance floor with a live DJ set from student Hayden Ingber. Grab a glow stick, bring the energy and complete your lap to the beat. (Glow sticks provided.)
- 2 p.m: Heels lap – Take on the challenge of doing a lap in high heels. Walking recommended.
- 3 p.m: Rock your wildest wig on the relay lap to keep spirits high. (Wigs provided.)
- 4 p.m: Parent/family lap – Parents, siblings, grandparents and family members are invited to join participants on the course as we celebrate the community that supports Hit the Bricks and the fight against cancer.
Categories: Alumni, Campus Life, Community Impact, Pro Humanitate
Media Contact
Alicia Roberts
336.758.5237
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