Frequently Asked Questions

We use donations to further our mission to encourage patients and loved ones facing brain tumors. We purchase and distribute gifts, cards and notes that we use to reach out with a special personal touch to brighten the day of a brain tumor patient. We also help brain tumor patients fulfill a wish they have for another person – a special gift or card sent to a loved one when their illness prevents them for doing so.

We also create public awareness materials to inform others about brain tumors and to provide information to get them involved in the fight against tumors.

Absolutely! We love to create gift packages for our recipients with an outstanding variety of items. We are asking our supporters who want to donate supplies to check out our donation page for the types of products and supplies we are currently in need of.

Our focus is on the brain tumor patient and supporting them with encouragement and care. We send them gifts directly, as well as responding to special requests they may have for others.

One example is when we were working with a patient who wanted to get a birthday gift for his wife but, because of his illness, he couldn’t make that happen himself. So we stepped in and made sure she was able to celebrate her special day with a gift from him.

We send cards to patients, but also send them to caregivers, family and loved ones as needed. We try to reach as many people as we can, as we know how much fun it can be to get a special greeting!

This information comes to Gray Matters through personal referrals,  through the foundation website, from other organizations working with brain tumor patients, and through medical personnel referral.

Lanette receives referrals from people involved in brain tumor groups and organizations; colleagues and friends and people who know of her work through others; personal contacts and requests made through the website.

Of course! Please contact us with your suggestion. Gray Matters provides support to brain tumor patients in all areas of the United States, not only in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

If you underwrite one of our gift packages, you can request that a special message for the recipient be added. You may want to send along a special poem or photo, story or a kind thought. When you make your donation we will give you all the information you need to learn how to add your special touch to the package. We are sorry but we cannot put you directly in touch with the recipient at this time because we respect their privacy.

Yes! We take a special interest in helping young people deal with brain tumors. We know that sometimes children can have a difficult time expressing their feelings, especially when they are dealing with something as frightening as a brain tumor. We know that their fear can sometimes make them unable to deal with the situation and they internalize their emotions.

We created our turtle with her tongue sticking out because this is a way that adults and children can say what they think of something – it’s not good! Children understand that sticking their tongue out says it all!

We are not a grant-making organization so we cannot honor requests for funding. We raise our own funds from other organizations and individuals. On occasion we do make a donation for a Gray Matters representative to participate in a special event. Invitations to participate in events should be sent by email (or regular mail) and we will review them for possible support.