Share Your Story
Your story is powerful and can help raise awareness and support for others facing similar challenges. By sharing your experience, you bring hope to others and show them that they are not alone.
Story submissions should be fewer than 1,000 words. We encourage you to focus on how having a brain tumor has impacted your life or what you want others to understand about brain tumors. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Patient & Caregiver Stories
Story Submissions Disclaimer
The stories featured on this page are submitted by patients, caregivers, and families who have chosen to share their personal experiences. These stories reflect the individual perspectives and opinions of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA).
The ABTA does not independently verify the details of these stories and cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness. The information shared in these stories should not be considered as medical advice or a substitute for professional consultation with qualified healthcare providers.
By reading or submitting content to this page, you acknowledge and agree that the ABTA is not responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided in these stories.
If you have concerns about any content on this page, please contact us at info@abta.org
Healing Beyond Survival: My Journey with an Invisible Brain Injury
By Adam Bunnell When I was a young child, I had brain surgery to remove a tumor near my cerebellum. That part of the brain helps with balance, coordination, and […]
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From Chips to Cures: Why Brain Tumor Advocacy Matters
Dr. Adam Grippin is a radiation oncology physician and researcher dedicated to developing fast, safe mRNA-based treatments for brain tumors. His credentials include: Adam Grippin, M.D., Ph.D.Resident PhysicianRadiation OncologyMD Anderson […]
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Unite for a Cause: Where Innovation Meets Insight for Brain Tumor Advocacy
Connect with a Community of Support Register Now for the Nation’s Largest Hybrid Gathering of Brain Tumor Advocates and Experts at the ABTA 2025 National Conference! As we recognize Brain […]
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Expanding Frontiers: Y-90 Internal Radiation Trial for Recurrent Glioblastoma
** Sponsored by Boston Scientific. This content is not an endorsement from the ABTA.** Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical technologies that improve the health of patients around the […]
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A Commitment to Your Wellbeing
** Sponsored by Servier. This content is not an endorsement from the ABTA.** Founded 70 years ago, Servier remains dedicated to making a positive impact in healthcare and supporting patients […]
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From Caregiver to Advocate: How An ABTA Employee’s Personal Journey Fuels Her Work at the ABTA
By Leah Bobal, a long-time brain tumor caregiver, advocate and ABTA staff member. Follow @llovab on Instagram or @llova on Bluesky. Advocacy isn’t just my job—it’s personal. My work at […]
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Smiling When It Hurts: A Brain Tumor Survivor’s Journey and the Power of Advocacy
By Maggie Neely, long-term brain tumor survivor and advocate In 1999, when I was just 15 years old, I started experiencing constant headaches. Then came a grand mal seizure that […]
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Dr. Soma Sengupta: A Life Devoted to Brain Tumor Advocacy, Research, and Hope
Dr. Soma Sengupta is a leading expert in neuro-oncology, serving as Clinical Professor of Neurology and Division Chief, while also driving research and clinical trials that advance care for patients […]
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Driven by Hope: Courtney and Wes Griffith Turn a Brain Tumor Diagnosis into Advocacy and Action
By Wes and Courtney Griffith, brain tumor survivor and caregiver turned advocates In November 2022, everything changed when my wife, Courtney, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It all started […]
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Beth Kassab: Finding Connection After a Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Beth Kassab didn’t know what to expect when she signed up to volunteer at the ABTA’s National Conference. As a brain tumor survivor, former caregiver, and now a member of […]
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Finding My Way Back Home
I have a question and see if this has ever applied to you: Have you ever felt that you’ve failed at something? I mean, failed so badly on every level
#fightlikeagirl
I’ve lived with anaplastic brain tumor since January 2014. So no surgery to remove it; only chemotherapy and radiation and a pause for sinus wall surgery. After that, my tumor
Just a Sinus Infection!
I once went to the doctor for an ear ache. The doctor said you don’t have an ear ache. It looks like a sinus infection. Here take this antibiotic. Not
