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by Ben Stein-Lobovits I had it all—a marriage, a new dog, a house. Then, just a week before my 32nd birthday, I was diagnosed with a high-grade brainstem glioma. I often say I turned “thirty-tumor,” as this rare cancer, usually seen in children, changed everything. Living with this diagnosis has impacted every part of my […]

by Charlotte Amerling Life has a way of taking surprising turns, sometimes bringing challenges that transform us in unexpected ways. Nineteen years ago, at the age of 26, I was diagnosed with a grade one Astrocytoma. This was the beginning of a journey that would teach me invaluable lessons about resilience, gratitude, and the beauty […]

Inspiring and resilient, Matthew Zachary is a 29-year brain cancer survivor who has dedicated his life to advocating for young adults affected by cancer. His story is not only one of personal triumph but also a testimony to the power of community, advocacy, and determination. Here is a synopsis of his Keynote Address at the […]

by Bethsabe Gonzales Last year, life threw my family a challenge we never expected. I became a caregiver for both my mom and sister, after they underwent brain surgeries just a week apart. It was an incredibly difficult time, but also one that taught me about strength, love, and resilience. The Diagnosis: Two Brain Tumors […]

by Steve Donie This is the story of my brain tumor journey, a story that began long before I even knew I had one. It was March 2023, and I was living a seemingly perfect life. I had been a successful software engineer for over 30 years, married for 32 years, and blessed with two […]

by Kristopher Meyer Embracing Change: A Journey Through Life, Challenges, and Personal Growth At just 17 years old, I was lost, searching for myself. It took six long, dark years, but eventually, I evolved into a new version of Kristopher. Now, at 36, I find myself evolving once again, proving that change is a constant […]

by Lisa Annunziata It’s been a long time, but not long enough to forget the moment I heard the words, “You have a brain tumor.” The details of that day are etched in my memory: the brightness of the sun shining through the window, the sudden stop of my breath, and the immediate need to […]

by Amy Jones I was first diagnosed in 2010. I had surgery to remove a golf ball size tumor from my right frontal lobe. After surgery I had hemiperisis and couldn’t move anything on my left side. At the time, my kids were 1 and 4. I followed up with radiation and chemo. I then […]

Meet Hope Head On: My Journey with a Meningioma Brain Tumor A brain tumor diagnosis can be a life-altering experience, but I chose to meet hope head on. With a positive attitude and a bit of stubbornness, I tackled my diagnosis and surgery in 2013 when a large meningioma was found in my brain. My […]

by Jenny Williams Jenny was just 11 years old when she learned what a brain tumor diagnosis meant and how it would affect her and her family.    Her dad was diagnosed with a grade III oligodendroglioma, a fast-growing brain tumor. When she should have been thinking about hanging out with her friends and school, she […]