Both my twin brother and I are pediatric brain tumor survivors. My brother was diagnosed at the age of 7 and I was diagnosed 5 years later at the age of 12. We both survived the same tumor (pineal germinoma) following intensive surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. We are now both cancer free at the age of 36! This experience has greatly affected my approach to life and my career (I am trained as a school psychologist and currently work in a University setting training future school psychologists). Also, my research and professional interests are in issues facing students with chronic health problems in schools particularly related to school reentry following prolonged hospitalization and time away from school. While this experience has obviously been devastating at times to my brother, myself, and my family, I also know it has given me the drive and passion to fight alongside my fellow survivors and others who are going through this difficult experience!
