It’s already June 2023. I was chatting with one of my yoga students this week, and she asked how my health is. I realized when she asked that it’s already been a full year this month since I completed chemotherapy. By October, I’ll have been off of it for as long as I was on it. My road to recovery took time, and now…I’m sailing ahead with family members to continue our advocacy and fundraising efforts for individuals affected both by brain tumors and brain cancer.
Inspiration can come from many moments, people, places and events. Earlier this month, my family participated in person in the National Brain Tumor Society’s Northern California Brain Tumor Walk. The event was held in San Francisco and brought together nearly one thousand individuals! The program included engaging speeches from Stanford and UCSF doctors, a very moving tribute to a young brain tumor survivor, and recognition of all of the survivors present. Lots of food, music, giveaways, tents with resources, a play area for kids…all of it lent itself to a morning full of good conversation, inspiration, hope, and (being honest) a few tears. For me, it was a joy to see most of my immediate family at the event, a joy to see so many other families and friends supporting the cause, and a joy to speak with several other survivors. It was amazing to connect with people I’ve only met thus far on ZOOM or followed on Twitter. Putting on a ‘survivor’ t-shirt at the event and then being invited to stand with other survivors during the program was particularly poignant. We come from all walks of life, and are united in a way that doesn't require words to describe. I was so touched when other survivors, getting the cue from our gray shirts, came up and introduced themselves or nodded with a smile. Following the walk, the UCSF Sheri Sobrato Brisson Brain Cancer Survivorship Program and the UCSF Art for Recovery Program put on a spectacular art show by brain cancer survivors, coupled with a delicious vegan lunch. Thank you, UCSF!
We’re going to keep the momentum up over the months ahead! My family is joining forces with other Bay Area families to host what will be our third 5K walk and run to benefit Oligo Nation this fall. Funds raised will go specifically to advance research on more effective treatments for individuals with oligodendroglioma. Stay tuned for more information soon! We would be thrilled to see you if you live in the Bay Area or beyond. I’m also very glad to be involved as a volunteer for the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) San Francisco 5K in November this year.
It’s emotional, uplifting, inspirational, and sobering all at once to participate in different events where I have the chance to meet with other survivors and their families and friends, as well as honor the memory of those who have passed away. It is important for me to do what I can to help uplift the lives of others affected by brain cancer, and it is so inspiring and meaningful for me when I see family, friends, and colleagues doing the same. Thank you!
June 24, 2023
Image: Survivor t-shirt given to participants in the NBTS Northern California Walk, June, 2023
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