Spotlight On: Jill Boysen, Team Captain of Judi’s Jems

Why I Want to Make Breakthroughs for Brain Tumors.

My mom, Judi, was the most caring woman I knew. It’s been 8 months and 1 day since she passed and it still feels like yesterday.

At the time of her diagnosis, she had recently retired to be a stay at home grandma so I could go back to work full time. Prior to her diagnosis, I noticed she was acting different, but we chalked it up to her having “baby brain” from being with my 4 month old daily.

On March 24, 2011, after returning from a trip to Florida, my mom was rushed to the emergency room. 14 agonizing hours later, she was diagnosed with an Anaplastic Astrocytoma & Glioblastoma Stage 4. Five days later a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Over the course of the next 4 weeks, she was in and out of the hospital and had just four treatments when doctors made the decision to send her home. On May 10, 2011, just 48 days after her initial diagnosis, my mom passed away at home, surrounded by her husband of 39 years, her son, grandson and myself.

When I saw the date of the Breakthrough for Brain Tumors Chicago 5K Run/Walk, I couldn’t help but think it was fitting that the walk falls just two days after the first anniversary of my mom’s passing and one day before Mother’s Day. I cannot think of a better way to honor my mom’s memory than by raising money and walking in her honor.

We will walk every year until a cure is found to ensure no family has to experience what we have. We want to be part of the breakthroughs that are made.

To take part in the 2012 Breakthrough for Brain Tumors Chicago 5K Run/Walk, visit www.breakthroughforbraintumors.org or contact one of our Event Coordinators at (800) 886-1281 or events@abta.org.