Head for the Cure continues to be inspired by individuals who are faced with a brain tumor diagnosis! Now more than ever, these stories of perserverance, hope and tenacity are needed to let those who are in the middle of their journey know that while we may be physically apart, no one ever fights alone!
Cathy Mindel from New Jersey has been the epitome of a thriver throughout her glioblastoma diagnosis. She has ignited a movement not only within her core group of family and friends, but she actively reaches out to others to show them her support, shares her story to anyone who will listen and never takes no for an answer! Enjoy learning more about Cathy!
On January 28, 2019, Cathy was rushed to the hospital with a severe headache, eye pain and loss of her left peripheral vision. After several scans, it was revealed that she had a large brain tumor which was bleeding and massive brain swelling. Her tumor was operable and she underwent a craniectomy right away. Cathy was later diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade 4. While recovering from surgery, she did the standard protocol of 30 rounds of radiation and continuous chemotherapy treatments; however Cathy encountered many complications. She had numerous transfusions and was left weak, tired and in debilitating pain. But through it all, she never lost hope or her spirit and was not going to let this disease defeat her. Complaining was not an option and to this day, she remains very positive and so very strong. Her daily fight entails monthly chemo treatments, raising brain cancer awareness, researching the best GBM clinical trials out there and talking to as many doctors, cancer research centers and foundations around the country who will agree to talk to her. She is one feisty, determined individual who wants to help find a cure and refuses to let this cancer win. Cathy has a village behind her of family and close friends who give her that love and strength that she needs to fight this beast of a disease every day. When she heard about Head for the Cure, this was the perfect way for her to bring her village together to help raise awareness for brain cancer and by donating to cancer research. She is a kind, loving, generous soul who will help anyone in need and who gives unconditionally to so many. She is a true inspiration to others with her strength, courage, grace, positive attitude and relentless will to live.
Your support matters!
We know this is a difficult time with our ever-changing environment. But one thing is still for certain…Head for the Cure will never stop supporting the brain tumor community until there is a cure!
How can you support?
- Register – For just $27, you can participate in one of our 5K events and receive a finisher medal and race shirt! Check out our calendar of events.
- Donate – If every participant from last year’s events tapped one person to donate just $10, we could raise an additional $220,000 to fight brain tumors.
- Share Your Story – This disease can be incredibly isolating! Sharing your story as a patient, caregiver or supporter helps connect the brain tumor community together.
Together, we can defeat brain cancer step by step!