A family's unique Thanksgiving tradition of offering mimosas to neighbors has evolved into a charity run in honor of their grandmother.
Nancy Maiers, 71, was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year. She underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, but in September, the tumor returned.
Despite her fight, Nancy told "GMA" Wednesday, that she was looking forward to her annual "mimosa walk" -- a custom her family started 8 years ago.
Nancy Maiers, 71, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Jan. 2019. In hopes to contribute to brain cancer research, her 12-year-old grandson, Parker, transformed his family's mimosa walk into the "Mimosa March," a 1 mile trek around town in an effort to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society on Thanksgiving.
Kurt Spitler
"I'm feeling good," said Nancy, who is lovingly known as Nana. "I have so much to be grateful for and we are really looking forward to Thanksgiving."
The Maiers tradition begins with a Thanksgiving breakfast at Nancy and Greg Maiers' home in Carmel, Indiana. The group then walks the neighborhood with orange juice and champagne cocktails to pour for friends.
Nancy Maiers, 71, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Jan. 2019. In hopes to contribute to brain cancer research, her 12-year-old grandson, Parker, transformed his family's mimosa walk into the "Mimosa March," a 1 mile trek around town in an effort to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society on Thanksgiving.
Jackie Maiers
Nancy Maiers is seen with her 12-year-old grandson, Parker Maiers, on Thanksgiving day, 2019.
"It's great fun to see lots of visitors that'll be walking with us and raising a cheer for Happy Thanksgiving," said Greg Maiers, Nancy's husband of 50 years.
Parker Maiers transformed his family's mimosa walk into the "Mimosa March," a 1 mile trek around town to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society on Thanksgiving.
Kurt Spitler
On Thanksgiving Day in Indiana, over 100 friends and family members enjoyed a complimentary mimosa (or glass of O.J.) in hopes to raise money for brain cancer research.
Kurt Spitler
"We toast to friendship and Thanksgiving and go on our way," Nancy's daughter-in-law Jackie Maiers said.
In hopes to contribute to brain cancer research, the Maiers' 12-year-old grandson, Parker, decided to transform his family's mimosa walk into the "Mimosa March" -- a 1 mile trek around town in an effort to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society.
Parker Maiers transformed his family's mimosa walk into the "Mimosa March," a 1 mile trek around town to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society on Thanksgiving.
Kurt Spitler
A dog is seen at the Mimosa March in Carmel, Indiana, on Thanksgiving day.
Kurt Spitler
On Thanksgiving Day, over 100 friends and family members enjoyed a complimentary mimosa (or glass of O.J.). Tickets were priced at $30 and additional donations are accepted on the family's website through braintumor.org.
On Thanksgiving Day in Indiana, over 100 friends and family members enjoyed a complimentary mimosa (or glass of O.J.) in hopes to raise money for brain cancer research in honor of Nancy Maiers at a Mimosa March.
Kurt Spitler
"It's not just a testament to our Nana who's such an incredible woman, she's touched so many lives," Jackie told "GMA." "She was a nurse for many years, she and Greg are really involved in our community, also in our church. People just wanted to reach out and support her."
On Thanksgiving Day in Indiana, over 100 friends and family members enjoyed a complimentary mimosa (or glass of O.J.) in hopes to raise money for brain cancer research.
Kurt Spitler
On Thanksgiving Day in Indiana, over 100 friends and family members enjoyed a complimentary mimosa (or glass of O.J.) in hopes to raise money for brain cancer research.
Kurt Spitler
"It's all because of Parker," Jackie added of her son. "He's such a great kid."
Parker Maiers told "GMA" that his Nana is "his best friend."
Nancy Maiers, 71, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Jan. 2019. In hopes to contribute to brain cancer research, her 12-year-old grandson, Parker, transformed his family's mimosa walk into the "Mimosa March," a 1 mile trek around town in an effort to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society on Thanksgiving.
Kurt Spitler
Parker Maiers, 12, transformed his family's mimosa walk into the "Mimosa March," a 1 mile trek around town to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society on Thanksgiving.
Kurt Spitler
"I love being with her," he said. "I think she's really nice and sweet and cares about others before herself."
When asked how much he hopes to raise in the Mimosa March, Parker replied, "This is a little shooting for the stars, but I'm hoping for $20,000."
Nancy Maiers, 71, of Carmel, Indiana, was diagnosed with a brain tumor Jan. 2019. In this photo dated Thanksgiving 2019, Nancy is surrounded by her children, grandchildren and her husband of 50 years, Greg.
Kurt Spitler
The Maiers' current total is $22,000 and counting.
