MikeyStrong Fun Run / Walk

🎉 Event Overview

• Date: November 24, 2026
• Location: The Mikey Goodwin Playground @ James H. Nance Park, Indialantic, FL
• Event Type: Memorial Fun Run/Walk
• Details: Celebrate Mikey Goodwin and raise funds for DIPG research while enjoying an event on the beach.

💖 About Mikey

Join us for a memorial Fun Run/Walk to celebrate Mikey Goodwin. Mikey was a vibrant 19-year-old student athlete when diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a deadly form of brain cancer. Mikey lost his battle with DIPG, and we are holding this fun event in his honor. The run will honor Mikey and others lost to this deadly disease and raise funds to help others battle this cancer. We also host Mikey's Turkey Dash, a short run for kids 12 and under. Visit the Race Day page for more information.

🔍 Understanding DIPG

Pediatric brain tumors are the most common type of solid childhood cancer, accounting for 1 out of 4 cancer diagnoses. DIPG is one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer in children and young adults, stealing their ability to walk, talk, see, and hear while fully aware of what is going on. Despite major advancements in the treatment of many other types of cancer, there is still no cure and minimal medical progress in treating patients with DIPG. DIPG took Mikey’s life and continues to steal the lives of many others.

• Definition: DIPG stands for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a type of brain tumor found in the brainstem.
• Tumor Characteristics: The tumor is not well-contained and grows into other tissue, mixing cancer cells with healthy cells.
• Brain Functions: The pons, where the tumor is found, is responsible for critical bodily functions.
• Awareness: Patients remain conscious of their condition while losing motor functions.

💔 The Fight Against DIPG

Mikey Goodwin faced this devastating diagnosis with courage but sadly lost his battle after just three months, at the young age of 19. Currently, there are local kids diagnosed with DIPG fighting alongside thousands of others across the nation. These kids need our help! Mikey inspires us daily, and his courage drives us to continue supporting others.

🙌 How You Can Help

There is currently no cure for DIPG, and we want to be part of the change! We are doing everything we can to help CRUSH DIPG. The Mikey Strong Foundation raises funds to help find a cure for DIPG and assist those battling this deadly cancer. We have donated thousands to help make a difference, and by joining us at this run, you are helping us!

💸 Our Contributions

• Research Fund: Developed the Mikey Goodwin Research Fund at the UF Shands, supporting families and cutting-edge research.
• Non-profit Support: Donated thousands to Candlelighters of Brevard, Inc., providing support and assistance to families.
• Family Assistance: Provided direct monetary assistance to families affected by DIPG.

We are proud that 95% of all funds raised are donated to help others, with our organization being run by volunteers. Shockingly, only 4% of federal funding is allotted to childhood cancer, making support from foundations like ours crucial.

🏃‍♂️ Join Us!

Join us for the Mikey Strong Run and help us in our mission to support families affected by DIPG and raise awareness for a cure. This annual event celebrates Mikey’s birthday, honoring his legacy and raising money for critical research.

No child deserves a death sentence. Please join us and together help us CRUSH DIPG!

For more information, visit our race page.