Brain Tumor Awareness Month (also known as Brain Cancer Awareness Month) is observed every May in the United States, among other countries. Thanks to the power of people, dedication and goodwill, this observance can extend much further than this space in time. There are many ways to raise awareness, advocate, fundraise, and support individuals, families and organizations throughout the year.
A few facts I’ve learned over the past few years about brain tumors:
Non-malignant brain tumors are not considered cancerous. However, these often still require surgery and treatment, and can be considered a serious medical condition.
Malignant brain tumors are considered cancerous. Some, such as the one I have (oligodendroglioma), have just two ‘stages’ - stage II and stage III. Stage III is more aggressive. There are an estimated 15,000-20,000 individuals in the US living with this very rare form of brain cancer.
In 2020, an estimated 251,329 people worldwide died from primary cancerous brain and central nervous system tumors. I think about how many more people were impacted.
While brain cancer can be treated through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, there is currently no cure. Much, much more research, targeted treatments, and expanded clinical trials are needed now.
What are some steps you can take to get involved?
Support individuals and their families
I’ve blogged in the past about meals to support individuals affected by brain cancer - whether buying gift cards to restaurants or grocery stores, gift cards for services such as Uber Eats, ordering ready made meals, or preparing homemade meals, there are many ways that you can support families in their time of need, even if not close by physically! When I was first diagnosed and in the months after, meals were so incredibly appreciated. Meals take care of one of the most important needs for both the patient and their families/caregivers at and after diagnosis.
Help spread the word about the organizations working for the cause
There are a number of organizations, both grass-roots and national or international, that advocate, support research and work to find cures for different types of brain cancer. If one of your friends posts about these organizations or activities that they are holding, amplify their work! Reshare on your own social media or by word of mouth; help reach others and spread awareness. Our family supports Oligo Nation, and we’ve also started to participate in some of the events that UCSF partners on through organizations such as the National Brain Tumor Society (Northern California walk is coming up on June 10th), and the Head for the Cure Foundation. We’re also glad to be walking this fall for the first time in the ABTA’s BT5K in San Francisco.
Participate in events
There are all kinds of events that support individuals affected by brain tumors. These range from 5K walks, to silent auctions, to yoga benefit classes, to evenings of art. Some are put on by families, some directly by brain cancer centers at hospitals, and some by the bigger organizations working in this space. Consider participating in such events! When our family was able to put on a post-COVID ‘Steps to A Cure’ 5K last year in the San Francisco Bay Area, it was one of the most uplifting days of my life. The power of family, friends and community is incredibly inspirational. It magnifies hope! If you are curious about and want to support our next walk to benefit Oligo Nation, we’re planning if for early fall 2023. Please reach out to me - you can participate in-person or in your own town, wherever you are!
Share your time, resources and talent
Events require time, organization, coordination, and people to run them well! Events also require equipment and refreshments. Please consider giving of your time and/or talents - volunteer at events! Most often, 5K organizers put out calls for volunteers to help out with set-up, registration, clean up, directing people, and all kinds of other tasks! Research requires funding, and there is very little funding available for many types of brain tumors. If you are unable to participate in an event, or want to donate directly, many of the organizations that fund research take direct donations.
Why I Go Gray in May - and Every Day
The truth is - for me, every single day is brain cancer awareness day. My brain tumor by no means fully defines me, but still plays a very large role in my life that I’m reminded of every time I take medicine for it, which is (at least) twice a day. For me, my family and friends, we’ve taken the lemons and are trying to make lemonade out of the situation. I’m committed to taking steps to a cure. I’m so fortunate and thankful to have so many kind, caring and dedicated individuals who are with me each step of the way.
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