On the morning of October 14, 2023, runners and families gathered at WakeMed Soccer Park for an event that was more than just a race. The Carolina Brain Aneurysm 5K & Fun Run, has been lovingly organized in memory of Ellie Helton since 2015. It is a testament to love, resilience, and the power of a community coming together for a cause. Together they were able to raise more than $20,000.
Remembering Ellie: A Life of Light
Ellie Helton, a vibrant and loving 14-year-old, is at the heart of this annual event. Her life was tragically cut short on July 16, 2014, due to a ruptured brain aneurysm. In remembering Ellie, it’s easy to see the incredible young spirit she was. She adored God, her family, friends, superheroes, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and pizza. Her love for life, her acceptance of others, and her unwavering perseverance inspired all who knew her. Ellie’s memory lives on through the hearts of those who love her.
A Legacy of Giving: The Helton Family
Since 2015, the Helton family has been sponsoring this fundraiser race in Ellie’s memory. This annual event has been instrumental in raising over $320,000 for brain aneurysm prevention. The Helton family’s commitment to honoring Ellie and making a difference in the world is truly inspiring.
Supporting The Bee Foundation
This year’s Carolina Brain Aneurysm 5K & Fun Run was the third year supporting The Bee Foundation for Brain Aneurysm Prevention. The Bee Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness about brain aneurysms and fund innovative research that can change lives. By coming together for this event, participants and supporters were contributing to a brighter, more informed future for brain aneurysm patients and their families.
Community Support: A Vital Component
Despite the rain, family, friends and members of the community gathered for the Fun Run & the 5K. Thank you to all who participated, including TBF Ambassador Katherina Diemer and our local family of five! The spirit of unity extended beyond the racecourse. On October 13, the day before the event, participants could collect their race packets at Fleet Feet Sports in Morrisville. This sense of community support and togetherness is what makes the Carolina Brain Aneurysm Race a truly special event.
Thank you to our race sponsors:
The Helton Family
Advanced Landscape & Irrigation
Ben Davis Family Foundation
Cary, Apex, Fuquay-Varina Pediatric centers
My Hot Lunchbox
National Christian Foundation Carolinas
Second Nature
Southern Corrosion
Triangle Window & Pressure Cleaning
Unc Health Care Neurosurgery
Conclusion: Ellie’s Legacy Lives On
The Carolina Brain Aneurysm 5K & Fun Run is more than a race; it’s a living tribute to Ellie Helton and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community rallies together. Through their efforts, the Helton family and all those who participated have taken steps toward a future where brain aneurysms are better understood and more lives are saved. Ellie’s legacy of love and determination continues to inspire, and the Carolina Brain Aneurysm 5K & Fun Run remains a beautiful testament to the strength of the human spirit.
