All Posts Archives - Page 2 of 6 - Gray Matters Foundation

Secret Elf Sticker Surprise

Hi there, Brain Buddies! Christmas came early this week when a routine stop at the post office turned into a SUPER surprise!! I had popped in to check my P.O. Box and the Post Office attendant asked me to come to the back room because they had some packages for me. I was expecting a…

Thomas P McAlvanah

This is Thomas P McAlvanah City Attorney for the City of Zephyrhills. This was 16 years ago before falling victim to #GBM I only met him through his wife Kris one of my best friends in the #braintumor community These tumors don’t discriminate they are brutal even to the brilliant. Through this tragedy, we have chosen to find beauty. Kris…

Glioblastoma Awareness Day July 17th

Do you have a question about IvyBrainTumorCenters Phase 0 clinical trials or just a general question about a #braintumor diagnosis? Be sure to tune in at 9 am (PST) on July 17 as @NaderSanai and his team of experts will be taking all your questions live on Facebook for #NationalGlioblastomaDay.

My Experience as a Participant in the AACR Scientist↔Survivor Program

This March I had the opportunity to attend the AACR (American Association for Cancer Research) Annual Meeting as a participant in the Scientist↔Survivor Program. As a 20 year brain tumor survivor, I have spent the better part of the last two decades supporting and educating those affected by brain tumors. Being accepted into the SSP…

11th Annual Gray Matters Foundation Night at Chase Field

LET’S PLAY BALL! Join us for our 11th Annual Arizona Diamondbacks game fundraiser! We have great Lower Level, Bullpen Reserve seats available for just $20 per ticket. About the Game Tuesday, May 14, 2019 @ 6:40pmArizona Diamondbacks VS Pittsburgh Pirates Chase Field401 E Jefferson StPhoenix, AZ 85004 TICKET SALES ARE NOW CLOSED Reserve Tickets Purchase…

The Scar

“Scars are history written on your body.” This photo was taken in 2002. It was post surgery 3 & 4. A year after this the tumor returned near my brain stem and surgery was no longer an option so I did 6wks of radiation and chemo by pill for 1 year. 2007 I…

Twenty year TUMORVERSARY

Today I celebrate 7300 days since my very first brain surgery ( I have had 5)! I have had some amazing days and my share of not so amazing days. The most important take away is I was given days others with brain cancer did not get. I don’t take that for granted. So…

Senator John McCain’s Death from Brain Tumor Triggers Sadness

After learning of Senator McCain’s passing yesterday, it triggered reflection and some sadness. Let me explain. I love encouraging and sharing support. I believe it is what I was created to do, however this calling comes with a price. When you help those who are living with a disease that has no cure building relationships is…

You learn who your friends are

I made a hospital brainbuddie visit. The patient learned the GBM has possibly returned and she needs surgery to determine if its treatment effect or tumor. I brought a few goodies and some items to brighten the room. I decorated the room engaged in conversation and then! Bless her heart the tears and…

Warrior Ribbon

Wear your ribbons! Be a voice & talk about tumors. It’s May and that means it’s brain tumor awareness month. The ribbon in the photo is a ribbon my sweet BRAINGL CHRISTINA gave me while she battled. Her stepdad made it so we could share awareness in the neighborhood, we had matching ones. Today it…