Four Years! Here's to Many More

Four years! What a shift in perspective it has been during this time. I still remember March 31, 2021 very clearly in the lead-up to my craniotomy; I remember the phone calls and recorded messages with family and friends that evening prior to an early wake up to prepare for surgery on April 1. I remember very groggily coming out of surgery the evening of April 1, and not much after that for the next week or so. And in the blink of an eye, it’s April 1, 2025. Four years. 

Where have I focused my energy lately? I have tried to channel what I can from my brain cancer experience into supporting others. My whole family wholeheartedly continues to support Oligo Nation, backed by our friends around the world. We are excited to host our FIFTH annual Bay Area 5K for Oligo Nation this coming September (save the date! September 27, 2025). I’m also excited to be on the planning committee for the American Brain Tumor Association annual BT5K that will be held at Lake Merritt in Oakland this year (save that date too if you’d like! September 6, 2025). I am so honored to have been invited to a very special community of brain tumor “thrivers” through UC San Francisco, where I have the opportunity to learn and share with others on a similar path. 

It is a very difficult time in the United States and around the world. Whether you have a serious health condition or not, it is so important to practice self-care and look out for one another. I am more worried about attacks on democracy and human rights at home and around the world than I am about brain cancer at the moment. And as I stay present to it all, I understand the importance and recognize the value of finding moments of peace amidst life’s difficulties. Even when things seem turned upside down, a few deep breaths can go a long way in coming back into the present moment. Not worrying about the past or future, but focusing awareness on the here and now. 

I consider the anniversary of my craniotomy to be a special day, because it’s literally the day that reminds me of the precious value of each day here on earth. The potential we have every day to do something kind or uplifting for others. The beauty of practicing kindness, and of working for causes that make our homes, communities and the world a better place. 

Cheers to four and many more! Thank you for being a part of my life!