Gray Matters Foundation Archives - Gray Matters Foundation

Gray Matters Welcomes A New Look!

New Look, Same Mission! It’s been 15 years since we first stuck our tongues out at tumors and the Gray Matters Foundation is doing better than ever! We are excited to reveal that our sweet, little turtle has finally gotten the glow up she truly deserves. Although our turtle has received a major makeover, our…

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…

There was support! I was not alone.

It was my honeymoon weekend that we attend our first brain tumor support group together. It was the 2001 Florida Brain Tumor Association conference. In 2000 I attended a BT conference in CA. It caused me to want more. At that event, I heard this GBM survivor named David M Bailey sing a song called…

Stinky monkey feet

. My car has a leak UGH! Arrived at dealership checked in and started my wait. My “IF ONLY FOR ONE” begins. I see this little boy who I now know is Max. He was hanging out with his mom and her boyfriend. The room is large but filled with lots of customers ready to…

Keeping Record

If you have followed my journey, or if I have visited you on your journey you know I am an advocate for keeping your records. Having your medical information within reach is vital. I suggest creating 2 books one for you and a backup for a caregiver. Maintaining medical records makes it easier to provide…

19 Years Ago Brain Surgery Began

It was the morning of 9-2-98 Micheal drove me to Barrow and we checked in to pre-op. Some things you never forget. My dad had given me a shirt that said don’t forget your dad loves you and it had his photo on the front so I made sure I was wearing that so he…

How Can You Help? Donate Stamps and Stickers

In an early blog we mentioned Red Mtn Highschools Bio Tech club called Stem created a BRAIN TUMOR AWARENESS and fundraiser campaign for us. We want to open this for Public participation. The Gray Matters foundation is a nonprofit organization created to support and empower brain tumor patients and their loved ones through encouragement and…

Brain Buddie Survivor Story: John Van Wagner

My name is John Van Wagner and May 30th 1995 after an 8.5 hour surgery I was told I had a menigioma brain tumor. It was benign but it wrapped around my facial nerve and left my face almost completly paralyzed. I had to endure reconstructive surgery and thankfully was able to regain some movement…