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August 17, 2022Brain Tumor Awareness Month
What is Brain Tumor Awareness Month
In May, we wear gray for Brain Tumor Awareness Month. The color gray symbolizes support for people diagnosed with and families affected by brain tumors, and to raise awareness about the brain tumors. I would imagine that they gray also symbolizes the brain, which is also called gray matter.
Once again, I’m posting about Brain Tumor Awareness month, and it’s the fourth year I’ve shared my story publicly. The first time was in May 2022. Honestly, I hadn’t planned to.
Why?
Because telling my story wasn’t something I wanted to do. I wanted to keep my medical journey private. But part of me wondered how I could use my experience to help businesses with their operations and with Planning for the “What If”®.
So I Went Public With My Private Medical Journey
This wasn’t an easy decision for me. Everyone around me was instructed to let me decide who I told and what I wanted to share. This made it much easier to focus on recovery instead of telling the same story over and over. People meant well with their questions, which made it hard to decline taking calls. However, I got tired very easily, I had double vision, and I was taking a lot of medication that made me loopy. It was hard to balance because I didn’t want to seem ungrateful for their thoughtfulness.
There were a few things I heard over and over. “I can’t believe how strong you are in facing this daunting diagnosis and surgery” and “I have a friend who faced/is facing this same diagnosis.”
That made me I realize that by sharing my journey, I could make something good come from it. I could have a bigger impact by going public and could then make a real difference.
My Brain Tumor Diagnosis
It’s a longer story, but here it is in a nutshell.
I was diagnosed with two brain tumors in November 2021. One was severely pressing on my optic nerve and stealing my sight. I had brain surgery in December 2021.
I thought the biggest hurdle was behind me—until I found out I’d need 5.5 weeks of daily radiation starting in April 2022. I took it in stride, though I was more scared than I let on. On the first day, they asked if I had any questions. I said, “Do I get to ring the bell when I’m done?”—classic me.
That bell became my goalpost, something to focus on besides the weight of undergoing proton beam radiation to my brain.
(And yes, I rang the bell!) That’s the picture right after I rang the bell (I’m in the middle). They also gave me a certificate of completion and I got to keep my radiation mask. Eventually I’m going to paint it pink (of course) and hang it on my office wall as a reminder that I can get through anything!!
My Self-Image
Today, I still have two brain tumors. I’m partially blind in one eye, deal with balance issues, and have some truly wild hair days.
People have told me I’m disabled. I gently correct them: “I’m not disabled—I have a disability. And even with two brain tumors and partial blindness, I’m still a badass.”
My life changed in an instant—and that’s OK. That’s life. But I chose to use my voice and my journey to make a difference.
Facing a New Reality
Even with unshakable resilience and a legendary sense of humor, not every day is a good one.
Some days are “blah,” some are “meh,” some are sad, and some are terrifying. But I’m never alone. I have the most incredible network of family and friends—my heroes—who lift me, laugh with me, and help chase away the scary moments.
You know who you are, so I’m not tagging anyone. 💙
Brain Tumor Awareness is More than a Month
Brain tumor awareness doesn’t end in May. It’s not just a 31-day observance—it’s 365 days a year.
I’ll continue sharing my story in May, and throughout the year, for as long as I’m able.
Because my story is about hope and resilience.
And maybe—just maybe—my story will be someone else’s roadmap to survival.
If you want to hear more, I was profiled in a Johns Hopkins Medicine Patient Story. It’s called “Restoring Facial Symmetry | Diana’s Story” and it’s posted on YouTube.
And if you’re looking for a powerhouse speaker who will inspire your audience, reach out via the Contact Page. I speak to both in-person and virtual audiences.
Brain Tumor Support Organization
There are many organization that provide support to individuals diagnosed with brain tumors, their caregivers, and their families. I’ve included some of them below. Additional resources can be found by doing internet searches, and reaching out to your medical team.
