My name is Chris and I am 44 years old. As of May 2022, I will also be a 44-year survivor of a brain tumor. Yes, I had my tumor removed before I was a year old — and by a doctor who was very new.
My parents noticed that I would have these long staring spells and just go limp. I was taken to doctors in Baltimore, Duke University, and then Charleston, S. C. where the doctor discovered my tumor, a Choroid Plexus Papilloma.
My tumor was removed completely, I almost died on the table. I suffered a stroke in surgery, which still has minor effects. But overall, I am doing very well.
I stayed on Phenobarbital then Tegretol for a total of 17 years. I struggled to learn small things such as tying my shoes and struggled socially in school. By the grace of God, I overcame obstacles and opportunities for success came my way. I was able to overcome my seizures, get off my medications and thrive as an honor student in high school and college.
I have worked in physical therapy for 23 years now and am blessed to be married with a 9-year-old son. But that is only part of my story.
In 1997, we discovered that my cousin had a brain tumor as well. His tumor ended up being a malignant glioblastoma. He was not as fortunate, as he passed away eight months after his diagnosis on Easter morning in 1998.
I attempted to care for him and my aging grandparents, but never really gave full credit to the impact his struggle had on me. Not until about 2013. It was then that I decided to turn my struggle into a mission.
I wanted to help get the word out about brain tumor support and awareness and spread the message of Jesus Christ as He asked us to do in Matthew Chapter 28. So, in honor of my cousin, I went miniature golfing.
Every year, I go to Myrtle Beach and play 100 holes and donate $36 for every hole-in-one to help supply Bibles to cancer hospitals all over the country. It started out very small, but the Lord has multiplied our mission since.
We have been blessed with donations from friends, family and well beyond, and have donated over 19,000 Bibles to outreaches all over the world. I long for opportunities to share about my diagnosis and how God allowed us to turn our struggle into strength.
We have driven out of state for many missions and doors have opened that I never thought possible. If I can ever reach out to share the message of hope with anyone, that is my greatest desire. I would love to hear from anyone about how we can help multiply the message of hope.
A brain tumor is not a death sentence. It is your avenue and chance to show how strong you are and how great God is. Please let me know how I can help.
