Each year Head for the Cure invites you to Go Gray in May for Brain Cancer Awareness Month, and this week we are sharing inspiring stories about those igniting hope within the brain tumor community! At this year’s 7th Annual Head for the Cure 5K – Chicago we will ignite hope and show support for all who have been impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis!
This terrible disease affects real people every day! Sarah, from Haselow’s Cruzin’, is a 6-year brain cancer survivor. This year she is working to bring together not only her family and friends, but the entire Chicago brain tumor community to help ignite hope for other brain cancer patients, their families, friends, caregivers, and other supporters!
Learn More About Sarah!
“In 2015, I started having seizures. I had a MRI and my tumor was found. I was immediately sent to Northwestern and on September 12, 2017 I had my awake craniotomy to remove as much of the tumor as they could.
The surgery went well! But during recovery, I struggled. I lost my speech, struggled with physical tasks, and was often confused. Dr. Tate my neurosurgeon was amazing, he continued to visit, check in, and reduce the stress of my family. My husband, Andrew, was my rock, the man who taught me everything I lost and supported me through all of it. Tears come to my eyes as I write this thinking about all he did and gave up for me.
After my surgery, I went through Chemo and Radiation. Again my family, my coworkers, my friends were there to support me. My husband was my everything. And I continue to thank my medical team every day.
After recovering, I realized I wanted to help others. I asked Laura from NW and she gave me different charities that help people with brain tumors. HFTC stuck out to me. I created a team in 2016 and met Matt at the Chicago fundraiser planning meeting. I heard his story and it made me want to keep asking for donations and fundraising for HFTC.
That year I was nominated as a Keeping the Faith Honoree. My mom nominated me and you guys picked me! The love from you guys made me feel like what I was doing was being noticed and that I was helping others. At that race, I also met others with brain tumors, who I still talk to today.
Stephanie Martin, is one of those people. She has been someone who has welcomed me into her life. Someone who was willing to listen to my struggles and share her own.
So, long story short. I continue to raise funds to help provide support to others. To help them not feel alone. Prior to being diagnosed with a brain tumor, I was unaware. Now that I have one, I feel as if I’m part of the “brain tumor community” who wants to help find a cure. ” – Sarah, Survivor
YOU CAN HELP IGNITE HOPE!
Every Head for the Cure event marks a day of celebration where we honor and inspire hope for those diagnosed with a brain tumor, we remember those who have lost their battles and we are inspired to carry on the fight! During these difficult and challenging times, we could all use some stories of hope and positivity. The brain tumor community is lucky to have such amazing supporters who brighten the lives of those affected by this disease each and every day.
Show your support and ignite hope by registering for or donating to the 7th Annual Head for the Cure 5K – Chicago taking place on Saturday, September 19th! Even though we aren’t physically together now, we can still show those battling a brain tumor that NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE!