Why I Go Gray in May for Brain Tumor Awareness

When I was 17 years old, doctors found an astrocytoma on my brain stem. The cause couldn’t be pinned down. Doctors thought maybe I was born with overactive cells, and the cause was organic. It was recurrent, and after three brain surgeries, when I was 25, I was disabled. 

Over the years, I had speech, vision, physical, and occupational therapy. I haven’t driven since. I can’t walk unassisted. The emotional toll was huge. It changed my life 100 percent. Thanks to my amazing family, my child and I have thrived. I know my family was changed by my brain tumor. A day doesn’t go by that we don’t deal with the repercussions of my brain tumor.

Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.