Patients & Survivors: Your Brain Tumor Journey

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Patient Stories

Explore inspiring journeys of resilience and hope through our Patient Stories

November 2025 Ambassador Spotlight – Nicole Becker

Written by Nicole Becker There are specific moments in life when time seems to stand still – the world stops, and your life is forever changed. If you’re familiar with Head for the Cure, you …

Understanding Common Genetic Mutations in Brain Tumors

https://youtu.be/Z7lDPLH3wS0When it comes to brain tumors, no two are exactly the same. Even when patients receive the same diagnosis, their treatment plans and outcomes can look completely different.“Every patient is unique and will require a …

October 2025 Ambassador Spotlight – Anne Kelly

Written by Anne Kelly Like many people with brain cancer, receiving my diagnosis was a huge shock. I didn’t realize I had any health issues until I had a seizure in September 2024. My husband, …

“Benign is not fine”: One Mother’s Story of Healing and Hope

Lauren Rios and Family When most people hear the word tumor, fear sets in. While a benign brain tumor isn’t cancerous, it can still be life-threatening depending on its size and location. Treatment, recovery, and …

Understanding Leptomeningeal Disease

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) occurs when cancer cells spread to the leptomeninges—the two inner layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord (the arachnoid mater and pia mater). Instead of forming one solid tumor, …

Behind the Tumor: Pituitary Tumors

A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth that develops in the pituitary gland, a small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain behind the nose. The pituitary is often called the “master gland” …

Behind the Tumor: Meningioma

A meningioma is a tumor arising from the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord, most often from the arachnoid layer. These tumors are usually slow-growing and benign, but even noncancerous variants …

September 2025 Ambassador Spotlight – Karen Burton

Written by Karen Burton The day that forever changed my life. The day my husband of 29 years was diagnosed  with brain cancer. The most brilliant man I know who had helped countless people  suffering …

Managing Symptoms and Side Effects of Brain Tumor Treatment

Living with a brain tumor—and going through treatment—can bring a variety of physical and emotional challenges. Whether symptoms are caused by the tumor itself or by treatment, there are ways to reduce their impact and …

August 2025 Ambassador Spotlight – Madelyn Perry

Written by Madelyn Perry “I’m a survivor”. The words that took me a long time to say out loud. The words that I didn’t think would be true 4 years ago. I had just graduated …

Patient Stories

“Benign is not fine”: One Mother’s Story of Healing and Hope

Lauren Rios and Family When most people hear the word tumor, fear sets in. While a benign brain tumor isn’t cancerous, it can still be life-threatening depending on its size and location. Treatment, recovery, and …

June 2025 Ambassador Spotlight – Alaina Haggerty

Written by Alaina Haggerty At the end of February 2020, a close friend, who is a nurse practitioner, was visiting me for the weekend. Before leaving, she asked me to visit my primary care doctor …

May 2025 Ambassador Spotlight – Lisa Joerling

Written by Lisa Joerling My brain tumor journey began 11 years ago when I was diagnosed with a ganglioglioma brain tumor at just 19 years old. I was a sophomore at K-State and was home …

Episode 20 of the Rare Enough Podcast: Doug Burton, MD

We are thrilled to announce the release of episode 13 of the Rare Enough Podcast, where we have the privilege of hosting Colin Gerner, the CEO and co-founder of StacheStrong. This episode is set to …

The Role of OT in the Rehabilitation of Brain Tumor Patients

Occupational therapy (OT) helps brain tumor patients do the tasks they need or want to do to get through the day when faced with physical, cognitive, or emotional changes. OT takes a big-picture view of …

November 2024 Ambassador Spotlight – Erin Gaffney

Written by Erin Gaffney I’ve been fortunate to serve as an ambassador for several organizations.  I joined the Executive Leadership Committee for the American Heart Association to raise awareness for heart disease.  I participated in …

Episode 17 of the Rare Enough Podcast: Featuring Brian & Emily Godawski

We are thrilled to announce the release of episode 13 of the Rare Enough Podcast, where we have the privilege of hosting Colin Gerner, the CEO and co-founder of StacheStrong. This episode is set to …

Episode 14 of the Rare Enough Podcast: Featuring Michael & Vanessa Hugo

We are thrilled to announce the release of episode 13 of the Rare Enough Podcast, where we have the privilege of hosting Colin Gerner, the CEO and co-founder of StacheStrong. This episode is set to …

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