The Brad Kaminsky Foundation for Brain Tumor Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for brain tumor research, is hosting a day of fun-filled activities during its Third Annual Heroes Hope Golf Toumament at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg on April 17 as an early kickoff to Brain Tumor Awareness Week May 29.

Golfers will be able to try their hand at tournament play beginning with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. and contests including two hole-in-one chances to win a new car, compliments of Select Auto Imports of AIexandria and Hertz Car Sales and a chance to round up the clay's golfing with dinner at 7:00 pm for a cost of $50.

While the golfers play the course, children will be able to enjoy the carnival atmosphere of Play and Shop for a CURE, which will feature classic carnival games and activities for children from 4 to 6p.m.

From 4:30 to 7 pm., adults will be able to browse the displays of home-based business women from Pampered Chef, Longaberger baskets, Usboume Books, Southern Living, Premier Jewelry, Silpada Jewelry, Tastefully Simple, Discovery Toys and "Faux the Fun" of it. Participating businesses will showcase their products and donate a portion of sales to brain tumor research.

The day's events will dose with a silent auction after dinner along with a special children's section of the auction that will directly fund pediatric brain tumor research.

"Since there is no registration or fee to participate in the Play or Shop for a CURE, we ask for a nominal $5 donation per person", said Lisa Millar, the organization's founder. Donations will directly fund brain tumor research. Last year the group was able to raise more than $25,000, which was presented to Duke University's Brain Tumor Center.

The Brad Kaminsky Foundation for Brain Tumor Research was started in 2000 when Ashburn Village resident, Lisa Millar's brother Brad Kaminsky was diagnosed with a glioblastoma mulliforme brain tumor. Kamiasky died in 2001 at the age of 29.

According to the American Cancer Society, brain tumors are now the leading cause of death among persons up to 19 years old as well as the leading cause of cancer-related death in males ages 20 to 39 and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in women of this age group.

This day is dedicated to all those battling a brain tumor and to raising hope that a cure will be found as well as to the memory of all those who have passed away from a brain tumor, said Millar.

This year's tournament has been dedicated to the memory of foundation co-founder Lisa Gibson of Springfield, who died last year from a brain tumor, as well as McLean resident Bob Carter Jr. and Falls Church resident Tony Leonard. Both men died last year from a glioblastoma muliforme brain tumor. Glioblastoina multiforme, the most aggressive of malignant brain tumors, accounts for 23 percent of all tumors and the prognosis is very poor with the average survival time being 12 to I8 months after diagnosis.

"I hope people will realize how lethal this disease is and how much research is needed find effective treatments and ultimately a cure, Millar said.

Registration is required for the dinner and the cost of attending is $50.