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Mark your calanders & Save the Date
Sun May, 5th
Race for Hope 5K Run/Walk
Erin & Her Brain Tumor Buddies
(Formerly Team Erin's Hope aka the Brain Tumor Buddies)
This Sunday, May 5th, 2013 I will be honoring my 11 year of survivorship of brain cancer by attending the Race for Hope for a Brain Cancer Cure in Washington, DC. Many of you know that I was not expected to survive this long, and it has been quite a bumpy road to say the least. Two brain surgeries (one wide awake with the central lines in my toes), 15 picc lines, a passport catheter, and two mediports, many funky disorders, and a the finalization of a not-so-nice divorce, I moved over the summer (I thought that would kill me) and I am still walking and talking. And it has not been without the incredible love and support of my many friends and family that I wouldn't be here today, so for that, I thank you. I truly appreciate each day I wake up breathing to enjoy the craziness that my children bring me...sometimes I feel like surviving this nasty disease called cancer is easier than raising teenagers!! Yikes... But I wouldn't trade it for the world. Kiley started college this year, Tatum is a sophmore, and Mia is finishing up 5th grade!
This year has not been without its woes though. In early November, I suffered two severe grand mal seizures, in which I have not had any in over three years. These seizures have left me with some further functional deficits in my left side and noticeable difference in the use of my right hand. I am unable to drive now (ugh) until I am cleared by my docs. Having to go back to the cane to walk with support, but besides that, I am still truly blessed.
Many of you might have noticed the change of the team name. I am sad to report that two of my dear friends have recently been diagnosed with aggressive brain tumors. The beauty of our team is that the five of us met by chance but are friends by choice. The sad part is we are bonded by a nasty disease. Linda Rollins is battling a glial tumor like mine, though she is at a grade 4, where I am a grade 3. Her's is known as a GBM, or Glioblastoma Multiform. It went from a grade 2 to a 4 in about 2 months. My friend Kristen Andre, was diaganosed with a pNet tumor, which is a rare type of tumor, and has had two craniotomy's in a month as the tumor continues to grow back so quickly. Though recent news after radiation and current chemo shows some good news..She is just 34, around my age when I was diagnosed. It's like deja vu. This disease has got to stop. And with your help, we can work to find a cure.
And every year, I see so many familiar faces, new faces, and sadly, those that succuombed to the disease in the past year. Its always heartbreaking. But if we continue to work hard, curing brain tumors can lead to the cure of breast cancer, liver and pancreatic cancers. Many people don't realize that glial tumor is the clue to cure to many types of metastatic cancers.. Wouldn't that be amazing???
So please, I am asking for any donations. I realize times are tough. Trust me, I know.. lol.. If you know me, you know I am preaching to the choir. But it wouldn't be me if I wouldn't ask. Don't want to give online? Please feel free to send me a check made out to the Race for Hope and send it to me at: 2429 Saint Albert Terr Brookeville, MD 20833
Thanks for listening. And just remember..
I am tougher than I know, Stronger than I look & Powered by Hope (lisa nelson)
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