Stories Archives - Gray Matters Foundation

Meet the Brain Buddies Behind the Baskets

All of our basket donations have a Brain Buddie’s story behind them. Brain cancer may be part of the story — but it is not the whole story. You or your loved one had hobbies, joys, passions, hopes, and a full life before a brain tumor entered the picture. This is your chance to share…

Zachary Young “not forgotten”

In memory of my son, 24-year-old Zachary Young who passed away 10-02-2020. Zach was diagnosed with a brain tumor on 06-12-2015. He was 18 years old and had just finished his first year of college, making The Dean’s List both semesters. One year earlier in May 2014, Zach had just graduated high school 12th out of 338…

Giving Heart

This past weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the annual Escape to Thrive conference hosted by the Bag It Cancer organization. What a wonderful few days! As one of 30 selected attendees, the event created a safe space to learn, share and build new relationships with advocates in all cancer circles. Our weekend…

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…

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…

3rd Annual Java Junkie Celebration at Dutch Bros

You have may have heard me talk about my dear friend David M. Bailey – The Java Junkie. David was a celebrated musician, coffee lover, and brain cancer survivor. David was diagnosed with the worst type of brain cancer – Glioblastoma (GBM) – and was given only a weeks to live. David, however wasn’t going to…