What a great week for me to talk about brain tumor awareness. I had the
opportunity to have dinner with two individuals devoted to brain tumor
awareness. Chris Grundner, the originator of
GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME, and Dellann Elliott, of the
Chris Elliott Fund, met to talk
about brain tumor awareness. They both lost their spouses to brain tumors and
have made a commitment to help people understand more about brain
tumors.
I heard about two areas of awareness that are really important:
-
Awareness
about the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Some people can have symptoms for
a long time such as personality changes, subtle seizures, or headaches. A diagnosis of a brain tumor needs to be considered, but is
sometimes missed. The goal is to educate health care professionals and
the general public that brain tumors should immediately be considered as
a diagnosis so treatment can start as soon as possible. GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME® is a campaign to make more people aware that brain tumors
exist. The pins, t-shirts, and marketing campaigns will provide more
visibility about brain tumors.
- Awareness about the best, most
up-to-date treatments for brain tumors. This is one of the missions of the
Chris Elliott Fund for Glioblastoma Brain Cancer Research. Chris’ story
reflects his wife, Dellann's search for clinical trials that would give
him the best options possible. In addition to standard therapy, options
exist using genetic testing in clinical trials that may point to more
effective therapies. Several brain tumor treatment centers, with neuro
oncologists, neurosurgeons, and radiation oncologists, along with their
patient services professionals look at the whole picture, and often
provide several options. I am hopeful that these treatments will provide
extra months for friends and family. Maybe the big breakthrough will
finally happen when glioblastoma becomes a chronic rather than an acute
life-threatening illness.
The Brain Tumor Awareness Movement is strong and will make a difference about people understanding
the disease and its effects. What an exciting time to be part of change
in attitude. David Bailey sang about brain tumors, and people heard.
Now we have some new champions in Chris and Dellann working hard on the
awareness movement. I am proud to be a witness.
Mary Lovely, PhD, RN
Medical Information Specialist / Associate Director of Research
NBTS Headquarters Blog
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