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 the before.
To share the heart.
To remind everyone that each Brain Buddie is more than a diagnosis.
These are examples of real Raffle Baskets that were previously donated for our fundraiser. These examples serve as a guide for what is meant when we ask for a “Basket Story” or “Brain Buddie Story”.
“Flo’s Favorite Getaway” in Honor of Flo Jones
Basket Contents:
- $800 gift card that can be used at any of the Xanterra Parks and Resorts (Flo recommends El Tovar)
Flo’s Story
Flo lived a life of service, strength, and unwavering hope.
After 27 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, Flo retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Military Police. She faced challenges long before cancer entered her life, managing epilepsy for decades while building a meaningful career in cardiology and medical insurance. Discipline, perseverance, and compassion defined her long before her greatest battle began.
On October 29, 2009, Flo’s life changed forever when surgeons removed a nearly 4-centimeter Stage IV Glioblastoma Multiforme tumor from her left temporal lobe. For many, a GBM IV diagnosis feels like a death sentence. Flo refused to accept that. She chose to live—and she did.
Recovery was slow and demanding, followed by months of chemotherapy and radiation in 2010. Though her full-time career ended, Flo found a new mission. She became the heart and inspiration of our brain tumor support group, offering strength to those newly diagnosed and reminding them that hope still had a place in their lives.
Flo spread joy wherever she went. She spoke openly of faith, life, and love, and she shared them freely. Even after a recurrence in the summer of 2025, her spirit never wavered. In her final days, she could still be heard saying, “Common man, don’t be sad. I’m going home to be with the Lord.”
Her message was simple and powerful: You can live just like I did. Stay strong. Go to the group. Help others. Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Share support—and you’ll get it back.
Flo survived GBM IV for 13 years. She died on September 1, 2025, but her legacy lives on—in the lives she touched, the hope she planted, and the love she gave so freely.
“Donut Forget Basket” in Honor of Lanette’s Grandma Kirk
Basket Contents:
- 2 donut picks
- folder, notepad, stickers
- Orange slices candy
- donut puzzle
- donut mix with skillet
- donut water bottle
- donut theme sun glasses
- donut robe
- donut salt and pepper shakers
- donut keychains
- donut scented hand soap
- donut candle
- donut drinking cups
- earbuds with key chain
- magnet
- stuffed turtle with my grandmas name IRIS
Grandma Kirk’s Story
My Grandma was a baker for Winchells and I remember her always bringing home donuts from work for us kids. I chose to build a “Grandma Kirk’s Donut Basket” and fill it with tons of fun donut themed items. Her faith was also very important to her so there is a cross to represent that part of her. Her name was Iris and so I found a stuffed turtle with her name on it. There are also some of her favorite candies. Just little trinkets that remind me of her and in that way I can share her story (and our love of donuts) with others!
“Sewing Basket” in Honor of Janet Palacino
Basket Contents:
- 3 Sewing Books/Magazines
- Crochet Needles
- Needlepoint canvases
- Needlepoint kit
- Long Pearlized Pins
- 5 Skeins of Yarn
- Small Seam Ripper
- Sewing Starter Kit
- Stress Relieving Gloves
- Other miscellaneous items
Janet’s Story
Last summer, the mother of Michelle Palacino, a beloved member of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center’s marketing team, was diagnosed with glioblastoma. This came as a complete shock to everyone. How could it be that the young woman whose job it was to share the stories of brain tumor patients and educate on the importance of research to find a cure, was now caring for a mother with the exact same rare disease? But that’s the reality of brain cancer, it can strike even the healthiest people without any warning.
Over the last eight months, Michelle and her mother, Janet, have demonstrated immeasurable strength and courage. As a token of our support, the Ivy Center’s marketing team built this basket in honor of Janet and her love for needlework. We hope that whoever wins this basket will use its contents as a creative outlet and find the same joy in it as Janet does.
“Family Fun Basket” in Honor of Nate Tomlin
Basket Contents:
- Glow in the dark lawn darts
- Giant lawn dice game
- Wooden charcuterie board with pull out compartment full of utensil
- Personal wearable fan
- 2 cool fabric neck wraps
- Humming bird feeder and nectar
- Jumbo woven basket
Nate’s Story
Nate Tomlin was incomparable in all his roles-as a father, husband, son, brother, friend and 7+ year GBM gladiator. Nobody meets Nate and forgets him. He reflects sunlight into this world with his smile and eyes.
He was diagnosed in 2015 at the youthful age of 27, and had undergone 8 brain procedures, 6 weeks of radiation and oral chemo daily, 16 rounds of oral chemo monthly, use of optune tumor treatment fields, 11 (and counting) rounds of interthecal chemotherapy, off label meds and more therapy than you can name!
He married his sweetheart, Megan, 4 months after his diagnosis and they were blessed with 2 sweet children, Elias and Amelia. As a unit, one of their favorite pastimes was spending time in their backyard with family and friends, making memories. We hope this basket helps you make memories, too!
Nate chose to live every day with joy and hope in his heart. He passed surrounded by his family in 2022.