text: An eight-year-old boy from Layton, Utah, ran 33 miles just weeks before undergoing his fourth round of surgery on a malignant brain tumor. Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward just loves to run. Even before he was first diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumor - known as a mature Teratoma - back in October 2014, the young man was already running half marathons for charity, even raising $1,700 in September for two of his friends who suffer from spinal muscular atrophy. Though his diagnosis meant more time in the hospital, often in order to undergo some kind of surgical procedure, the tumor did nothing to stop Lota from hitting the trails. In fact, both he and his doctor say it has actually helped him through his treatments. 'I got this!' eight-year-old Lota Ward had already run several half marathons before being diagnosed with a brain tumor, and still continues to run despite his diagnosis . Most recently, Lota made the decision to attempt the 10th annual Antelope Island Buffalo Run just outside Salt Lake City, with the help of his running fanatic father. The 50-mile race was the eight-year-old's biggest challenge yet, but he tackled it like a trained professional, completing a total of 33 miles - longer than a full marathon - before his sore feet forced him to stop. 'I like running because it helps me a lot with hard times,' Lota told Runner's World. 'It doesn’t make me feel scared going into brain surgery.' In recovery: Lota underwent his fourth brain surgery on Wednesday, April 1, and while the Ward family remains optimistic, the fight is not over yet . 'I like running because it helps me a lot with hard times': Lota's hobby has become a source of strength for him in the face of several brain sugeries . Shortly after his diagnosis last October, Lota underwent two initial brain surgeries to help drain spinal fluid and to remove some of the tumor. However, due to the risk of stroke, doctor's were unable to complete the latter. Lota later went to see doctors for his three month check-up and was given devastating news: the tumor that they originally believed to be benign had grown aggressively. A subsequent biopsy lead to a new diagnosis - Lota has a Non-Germinomatous Germ-cell tumor, a malignant form of brain tumor. Luckily for the Ward family, the tumor was not untreatable. But Lota was going to be in for a fight. As tough as things became, however, Lota never stopped running. After every surgery, he would be up and walking within hours, ready to get out on the road once again. Reaching the peak: Lota was running before doctor's told him of his brain tumor. He had even ran a half marathon in aid of spinal muscular atrophy . Proud papa: Lota's father Keith Ward is also an avid runner and accompanied his son on the 50-mile race . Lota's parents were initially concerned, but their son's neurosurgeon, who also happens to be a trial runner, set their mind at ease. 'We asked [the doctor] if Lota’s running would affect the growth of the tumor or cause it to do mutations, and he said it doesn’t affect it at all,' Lota's father Keith told Runner's World. 'He said: "As long as it keeps him happy and healthy, I don’t see anything wrong with it."' Lota is currently recovering from his fourth surgery and, according to his Facebook page, already has his next helf marathon scheduled for May 30. And though he didn't quite finish his most recent 50-mile race, the ever-positive little runner plans to take on a 100-mile race next year.
target: Lotatoa 'Lota' Ward was diagnosed with a brain tumor in October 2014 .
  He has since had to undergo four surgeries on his brain .
  Just before his latest surgery, Lota ran in the 10th annual Antelope Island Buffalo Run outside of Salt Lake City, Utah .