Tuesday Tip is brought to you from a desire to increase my knowledge of all things fitness, weight loss and health. My challenge for 2013 is to post one tip a week. Hopefully this will help me in my weight loss journey and others who search to live a more knowledgeable life.
This week’s Tuesday Tip is incredibly close to my heart. May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month and two years ago on May 28th brain cancer stole my Papa from me.
The thing about brain cancer is that patients can show no symptoms or not realize they’re experiencing symptoms. Brain cancer can effect anyone, children, teens, adults, and needs an increasing amount of research to find a cure. Brain tumors are incredibly complex, with over 120 different types, and difficult to study.
Each year 190,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor. They are also the second leading cause of cancer deaths among children ages 0-19. Even though some brain tumors are benign they can still leave behind lasting effects. Common symptoms can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, changes in ability to talk, hear or see, problems with balance, walking, thinking or memory, muscle jerking or twitching and numbness or tingling in arms or legs.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms I beg you to not brush it off as “nothing” and see a doctor as soon as possible.
My Papa’s brain tumor was discovered after he had a seizure while traveling in Russia. Originally they thought he had suffered a stroke and later discovered that he had a brain tumor. I was a senior in high school and it was the worst news I had ever heard. The next five years were filled with doctors appointments, surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy and prayers, lots and lots of prayers.
Luckily my Papa lived a fairly normal life for the majority of those five years; most people would have never even known there was anything wrong. He was still full of life, joy and the best hug you could find. He was my hero, constantly exuding joy, never forgetting a face, and always lending a helping hand. My grandma and him are one of the greatest examples of love. They were high school sweethearts and only loved each other more each year.
I ask that this Tuesday, in honor of my Papa, you help me raise awareness for brain cancer. I would also urge you to consider making a donation to the National Brain Tumor Society to help find a cure for this awful disease. With the recent cuts in government funding they are in more need than ever of our donations and support to continue funding research. Please help us find a cure.
From the bottom of my heart,
Jennifer
