Conquering Brain Cancer One Step at a Time Posted on November 1st, 2008
As you know, last year, I ran the Marine Marathon with two friends of mine, Jodi and Amir. We finished in 5 hours 7 mins. Slower than most, but we did it … and what a rewarding experience! So this year, we set out to do it all again. But this year, I ran because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it again post-surgery. And my friends ran with me again, yet again showing me how much they care. Yes, Jodi and Amir ran it … but so did Jodi’s husband Mike and Jodi’s friend, Felicia (both first-time marathoners).
Last Sunday was the 33rd Marine Marathon in Washington, DC. We’ve been training for this race for 9 months, so we were ready. The weather was just perfect throughout the day. Unlike last year, there were many thousands more runners, so it took us nearly 20 minutes to get to the START line, but once we got going, we were cruising. The training was a bit harder this year and so was the run, but we ALL completed it in various times, just over five hours.
I want to thank all my friends for running this race with me! I know the training was long and strenuous, but the rewards are more than worth the commitment. And through running and our other activities, we can conquer brain cancer. It’s not just the money, but the attitude. Running a long distance race (like a marathon), is really a metaphor for our lives. You can run it and finish it quickly if you desire, but what you miss out on is the scenery, the comraderie, and all the fun during the race. We stopped and smelled the roses during the race, and even though our times don’t compare to those who won, we enjoyed the scenery more than most. It all comes down to outlook.
Along the way, during this race and the training, I made some good friends and I cherish that more than the race itself. When it all comes down to it, the quality of our lives depends on the quality of our relationships. And with the relationships I have with my running “team,” I can say that the quality of my life is nothing short of excellent!!
E-news from the National Brain Tumor Society Posted on October 3rd, 2008
Hey all, here’s the latest from the National Brain Tumor Society.
We are now the National Brain Tumor Society!
National Brain Tumor Foundation and Brain Tumor Society have merged to form the largest organization that funds innovative brain tumor research and offers comprehensive, supportive care to those affected by brain tumors. Later this year, we will introduce the new look of the National Brain Tumor Society. For more information as we work towards this integration, visit: http://www.braintumor.org/news_article/?p_NewsId=126261
Regional Patient Conference in Omaha, NE – November 15, 2008
Join us November 15th in Omaha, NE for our Regional Brain Tumor Conference. Offered in collaboration with Alegent Health, this important day-long educational event will feature multi-disciplinary presentations about tumor types and treatments. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to network and connect with other patients and their loved ones. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.braintumor.org/event/?p_Event=132275
Teleconference on Glioma Treatments for Patients and Families - December 2, 2008
As part of our 12th Annual Teleconference Series, Howard Fine, MD, Chief of the Neuro-oncology Branch of the National Cancer Institute will speak on treatment updates for malignant gliomas. The teleconference will take place on December 2, 2008 at 1 p.m. PST / 4 p.m. EST. Click here to register
Save the Date! Patient Conference in San Francisco, CA – January 24, 2008
Join us in San Francisco, CA for our Regional Brain Tumor Conference. Be sure to check out our website for more details coming soon, http://www.braintumor.org/EventsCalendar/
Hello and Thank You to all of Kim’s New Friends! Posted on September 22nd, 2008
For those of you following Kim’s voyage down the O-HI-O, here’s what’s up …
First of all, a big “THANK YOU” to Becky and Charlie Hall! Kim was so thankful that you let her stay in your camper for two nights! She said she never had it so good! She also appreciates your calls, Becky! And I appreciate your post on the “About Me” section of this blog! Nice writing!
And a big thanks to Phil and Barbara Hand at the Holiday Point Marina (mile 338.9 of the voyage). Kim tells me that the marina is beautiful and with 208 boat slips nearly full, she was impressed with the whole operation! Thank you for hosting her for two nights! She was very happy and excited!
And, thank you to Darrel Ramey for your hospitality, allowing kim to sleep in your boat tonight! At mile 355.5, Kim has come nearly half way. She wanted me to thank you and your Marina (Shawnee Boat Club) for your kindness, including you driving into town!).
Also, I wanted to thank Roger and Nancy Hall as well as Gil and Colleen (sorry, I forgot to write down your last names) for the EXTREMELY kind donations! And, I would be remiss if I did not thank Jim Quinet in New Martinsville, WV for your offer of catering a party … Kim (and I) plan to take you up on the offer after she is done!
Kim’s doing this for herself and for me, but she’s doing it BECAUSE there are good people like all of you around. This is her third long canoe trip, but, by far, her most famous. She feels like it’s just another trip, but I know from all of you how much she inspires you. Thank you all (and those I haven’t mentioned) for all that you have done for her and for me! Together, we will win this war!
Kim at the outset of her Ohio voyage
Mile 317 and still going! Posted on September 19th, 2008
Kim called tonight to tell me that she is at mile 317 - at Virginia Point Park. She spent three hours in Huntington today and was interviewed by reporter Grover Tadlock from WSAZ news. Thanks for interviewing her, Grover! For those that are interested in seeing the interview, go to http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/28678769.html and play the video or read the story! Kim is doing great stuff for awareness and for fund-raising … and every night she calls and tells me what happened that day.
26.2 miles to go for brain cancer Posted on September 18th, 2008
OK, so you all know that I ran last year’s Marine Marathon with my friends Amir and Jodi. And this year, we plan to run it again with additional friends. But this year, I am running for two reasons. First, to show myself that I can do it after brain surgery (which I know I can do) … and second, to raise money for brain cancer research. So, at my office, where many, many people work, I am asking folks to donate money to the National Brain Tumor Society on my behalf to sponsor my run. And I will also ask all of you out there reading this blog to do the same if you can. My goal is to raise $25,000 for this run and I’m hoping you will help me by going to the buttons on the bottom of my home page and donating by following the instructions on the buttons.
I am running the Marathon this year for all who suffer from oligodendrogliomas. You know that Melissa Etheridge song, “I Run For Life?” … ” I run for hope, I run to feel. I run for the truth for all that is real. I run for your mother, your sister, your wife. I run for you and me my friend. I run for life.” Well, that is why I am running this year … for all of us.
Mile 301 and still going!!! Posted on September 17th, 2008
Well, my cousin Kim called tonight and she is at Mile 301. Get that … she has paddled 301 miles so far … most of it by herself. She paddled 30 miles today in weather that she reports as being wonderful. She would have gone farther, but she had to wait for 2 hours at the lock. Tomorrow she plans on going only 3 miles, so she can meet up with her mystery guest at the Showboat. Seems she has a bit of a fan club! To all of you following her trip, thank you for being so good to her! She’s a great person and is going out of her way to make this trip!
There is a gentleman that she met in New Martinsville who offered to set up a party and cater the food after her trip is over. Thank you!! Kim is VERY excited!
Kim also tells me that the Huntington News has contacted her and may be following her trip as well. She has become quite the celebrity!
More Grey Matters Posted on September 17th, 2008
As I mentioned in last night’s post, there is a benefit horse show in October which is, in part, to raise money for brain cancer. Here is additional information. The class list and fee structure will be done soon, as well as the entry forms.
Southern Maryland Horse Association 2008 Benefit Show
Grey Matters!
October 12, 2008 8:30 am
Prince Georges Equestrian Center
14900 Pennsylvania Avenue
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Proceeds to Benefit The National Brain Tumor Society
50/50 Raffle Vendor Row Silent Auction Tack Item Raffle Used Tack Sale
Great Prizes for Division Champion and Reserve
Come help us make a difference! We need your support! Or just come to school your horse for upcoming events! Everyone welcome!
Want to be a vendor? All vendors welcome! Set up in S-2 Stalls. Contact smhahorseshow@aol.com or 410-533-1406 and leave message.
Want to make a donation? Write “Grey Matters!” in notation section of check.
Please mail to P.O. Box 220 Tracys Landing, Md 20779-0220
Open Hunter Classes, Open Jumpers, English Pleasure and Fun classes
Western Pleasure and Fun Classes Classes for the Under 12 Ages with
Fun Classes Model/Conformation
Grey Matters Posted on September 16th, 2008
Alright, this will be my final post for this evening, but I wanted to make those of you in the DC area aware of an upcoming event to raise money for our oligodendroglioma fund. The Southern Maryland Horse Associated (SMHA), run by Mari Douglas, is sponsoring a benefit horse show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD on October 11 and 12th. Several charities will receive proceeds, but one of the charities is the one we are affiliated with - the National Brain Tumor Society. The event is called Grey Matters. Watch this site for additional information about this fundraising event.
Wanna go for a ride? Posted on September 16th, 2008
A couple of months ago, I went to my family reunion in Pittsburgh. It was nice to get reaquainted with my extended family. But, one family member in particular took my condition to heart and set out to do something about it. My cousin, Kim Cornell, is paddling the entire Ohio River in a canoe - a 982-mile journey. And she’s doing it to raise money and awareness for brain cancer. She titles her trip “Paddling for Marvin.” Setting out on September 1st, Kim is still out there paddling to raise money for research into oligodendrogliomas.
What a feat it has been! She calls me every night and reports where she is and the events of the day. And, from here on out, since this blog is operational, I will let you all know about her progress. She’s in Ohio and, tomorrow, I will give you a full update. But she has been through very hot days, very lonely days, had blisters on her hands and elsewhere, met some VERY cool and kind people, and she is still out there 15 days after her start. I am very proud of Kim and her efforts. Read more about the beginnings of her trip at http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_585868.html. And then log back in here to hear more about her adventure!
Ultimately, any money she raises will be donated to research into oligodendrogliomas.
Originally posted 16 September 2008 at 9:16 pm
Welcome!!! Posted on September 16th, 2008
Hi! I write these first words on this blog as those that will change the face of brain cancer as we know it! It’s the beginning of a change - a slow change - but a change nonetheless! Together we will fight for a cure for oligodendrogliomas … and ultimately for primary brain tumors … so that those of us who have it may be granted a long and happy life.
But, before I go on, I would be remiss if I did not thank Cris Bragar and his colleagues at Iventagroup. Cris and his team designed this website and its functionality. I have to say that I love the look and feel of the site and I hope you do as well. So, Cris, to you and to your team, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK!! This would not have gotten done so well without you.
And, I’d also like to thank my friend, Mark Dunn. Despite having a never-ending list of things he has to do to keep his business running, Mark has played a critical role in helping develop the ideas behind this website and he has been tireless in his support of this cause. Thank you, Mark!
This website, our fundraisers, and our research have begun to build momentum and we are setting our sites on building on this momentum. I hope you’ll revisit this blog regularly, becayse, over the next several weeks, months, and years, this blog will bring you some interesting news, in-depth research, ways you can help in this fight … and, finally, a cure! Here are just a few of the highlights that you will see: