Stories

The Invisible Toll of a Meningioma Brain Tumor On August 1, 2024, I was rushing down the stairs and missed the landing, falling seven stairs and hitting my head on the hardwood floor. I put ice on my forehead and took some Tylenol for the headache. A few hours later, I took my dog for a walk and sent a selfie to show […] May 22, 2025

My Pituitary Tumor and Acromegaly Experience In 2023, I was diagnosed with an 8-cm pituitary tumor, along with a rare disease called acromegaly, a growth hormone disorder. They believe that, due to my tumor’s size, it has been growing since I was about 18. I am now 32. I underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, where my surgeon was able to remove 75% […] May 20, 2025

Hope is Stronger Than Fear: A DIPG Story In January 2017, I took my 6-year-old son Devin to a private snowboard lesson at a local ski resort. During the lesson, he fell and hit his head — not particularly hard, but in a strange way, according to the instructor. Afterward, while we were inside getting food, Devin collapsed again as he tried to […] May 13, 2025

From Nurse to Patient: My Journey After a Meningioma Diagnosis I became a nurse in 2006. I was an LPN and committed to lifelong learning, so I’ve been a nurse for 19 years. I started in pediatrics and with chronically acute peds. I ended up getting my RN, and then my bachelor’s degree, and ultimately my master’s.  I’m a certified nurse executive, so the bulk […] May 7, 2025

How I Discovered a Brain Tumor After Giving Birth In September 2023, after experiencing a relentless three-week migraine, I visited my doctor, who attributed it to stress and a possible pinched nerve. Despite persistent numbness in my left arm, no tests were ordered, and I trusted his judgment. My migraines subsided, and a few weeks later, I discovered I was pregnant. Throughout my pregnancy, […] April 23, 2025