Family holds neighborhood 'Mimosa March' to honor grandma on Thanksgiving
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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
The Maiers' current total is $22,000 and counting.
