Jed’s Story: Two-time Brain Tumour Survivor

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My name is Jed Terrence Rico Luna and I am a two-time, long-term brain tumour survivor. When I had my first brain tumour I was just 10-years-old. I am thankful that SickKids Hospital was there to help me. I was especially grateful because I was a new immigrant to Canada, with my parents and sister, from the Philippines. When this event happened it was a shocker.

I was just a grade five student and for this tumour to come and hit me at such a young age was so shocking to myself and my parents. From what I remember, my parents drove to the nearest hospital and the staff told my parents to drive to SickKids. I was soon diagnosed with a non-malignant brain tumour which was treated by surgery and radiation.

Read Jed’s entire story…

Andrea’s Story – one mother pushes for help

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Andrea, from Nelson BC, shares the story of her little girl’s diagnosis of a brain tumour.

My just three-year-old daughter had been really ‘off’ and sick for 2 months. She would vomit for no reason and had headaches at the back of her head.

I took her to the family doctor three times and then had an appointment for January with a local pediatrician but in early November, it all just got to be too much. I pushed to see the the pediatrician then. That saved my daughter’s life.

Read Andrea’s story….

Marisa’s Story: “Being Strong for My Brother”

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My brother and I never had the greatest relationship growing up. We fought argued bickered and pulled each others hair out…literally. But on April 5th, 2013 we found out he had a brain tumour, it was that moment that I realized that beneath all the fussing and fighting, the love that I have for my brother is colossal.

Read Marisa’s story …

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International Day of the Family

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Family is an integral part of life. Each member of a family shares the joy of holidays, major milestones, and successes. Of course, family members endure the difficult times together too.

A brain tumour diagnosis affects an entire family, and can be a difficult journey for everyone involved. However, these tough times can often strengthen and maintain a family’s relationship. Through support and love, families make the journey of a brain tumour one of strength and courage.

When you let your family know how you feel (emotionally or physically), they will be able to better offer the support you need. Further, family members can offer words of encouragement, share the pain, and help to manage stress. Ultimately, throughout the journey of a brain tumour, the love of a family can help reduce the difficulty.

On this International Day of the Family we salute all families facing the journey with a brain tumour and say ‘Thank You’ to everyone supporting and caring for a loved one facing this disease.

Canada Health Day

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Today is Canada Health Day.

Join fellow Canadians today in a resolution to commit to your health and wellness. This day is a great opportunity to educate your friends or family members about health-related topics.

At Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, we are committed to finding the cause of and cure for brain tumours, while improving the quality of life for those affected. Regardless of the grade or stage, any brain tumour is life changing – and so it is important to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of a brain tumour, which can include:

  • Abnormalities in vision
  • Altered mental states
  • Clumsiness
  • Difficulty walking
  • Difficulty with speech
  • Gradual changes in intellectual or emotional capacity
  • Headaches
  • Nausea or vomiting (often in the morning)
  • Seizures
  • Weakness

However, brain tumour symptoms may greatly vary from one person to another, as they are often relative to a tumour’s location and size. Further, it is important to note that while these symptoms are common indicators, symptoms may gradually appear, or not appear at all. If you think you may have a brain tumour, see your doctor for an evaluation.

As May 12th is also International Nurses Day, we would like to note the importance of nurses throughout the journey of a brain tumour. Nurses are vital to quality healthcare and we greatly appreciate their dedication and hard work and compassion for everyone facing this disease.

For more information about signs and symptoms of a brain tumour, check out our website.

On Mother’s Day 2013

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Mother and baby bird

On this Mother’s Day we want to share again this post from last year – it reflects on how special days like this an be difficult for those of us on the journey with a brain tumour or who have experienced loss. Please enjoy this post and please know, you are not alone.

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Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers who are part of the brain tumour community – we wish you a day of relaxation, peace and love.

We also want to acknowledge that days of celebration like Mother’s Day can be difficult for us as we travel the journey with a brain tumour.

Today we send our thoughts to everyone who will face an emotional hurdle today.

Whether you are a mother who has faced your own diagnosis of a brain tumour or have been a caregiver for a child, spouse, parent or other loved one, or if you are a mother who has lost a child, we know this day may be difficult.

For those who have lost your mother to a brain tumour, Mother’s Day may be tough, no matter how much time has passed.

Regardless of who you are, and how you have been affected, you are not alone.

While our mothers are each different and we all have unique relationships with them, they hold a special place in our lives. So this Mother’s Day, we honour each mother who has been touched by a brain tumour. Thank you for everything you do, everything you give and every way that you help.

Happy Mother’s Day

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We are here to listen. You can call for emotional one-on-one support Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at 1-800-265-5106.

Marking Earth Day

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Happy Earth Day to everyone in the brain tumour community!

The trees are beginning to bloom and the weather is warming; spring is officially in the air. The transition from winter to spring makes spending time outdoors much more enjoyable. If you are looking for more ways to spend time outside with your friends, family, or even on your own, consider participating in your community’s 2013 Spring Sprint!

The annual Spring Sprint series of events are run by volunteers across Canada, who are dedicated to supporting those affected by a brain tumour. When you register and fundraise for Spring Sprint, you join a nation-wide movement transforming the future for brain tumour patients and families. Funds raised contribute to critical research and important services, including information and support.

Whether you walk, jog, or run, register today and start transforming the future for brain tumour patients and survivors.

For a list of 2013 Spring Sprint cities and events visit SpringSprint.ca.

World Health Day – April 7

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World Health Day has been annually celebrated on April 7 since 1948. Each year, a theme is selected to highlight an area of worldwide health concern. At Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, we would like to use this opportunity to focus on the international implications of brain tumours. We are proud to support the work of the International Brain Tumour Alliance in their efforts to raise international awareness of this disease.

In Canada alone, 27 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour per day. Further, it is estimated that 55,000 Canadians are surviving with a brain tumour. While in the United States, it was estimated in 2010 that more than 688,096 people were living with a brain tumour diagnosis. The prevalence of a brain tumour diagnosis in the US is 221.8 per 100,000 persons. In 2010, 9,156 brain tumour cases were registered in the United Kingdom. As such, the prevalence of a brain tumour diagnosis in the UK is 14.8 for every 100,000 males and 14.6 for every 100,000 females. It is currently unknown whether this variation reflects differences in how brain tumours are counted by different countries. We want to know more about this and we’re taking steps to establish a formal registry of brain tumours in Canada.

 

 

 

International Children’s Book Day

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‘Hope’ gains support from her friends in the storybook “A Friend in Hope”

Did you know that today, April 2nd is International Children’s Book Day?

International Children’s Book Day is celebrated annually to inspire a love of reading amongst children. If your child, or someone they care about, is affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, today is the perfect opportunity to order a copy of the storybook, A Friend in Hope. This illustrated book can offer valuable information and support for your children.

A Friend in Hope tells the story of a young girl named Hope and her journey with a brain tumour, through the perspective of her friend Danny. Through Hope’s journey to wellness, the book addresses medical procedures and symptoms associated with a brain tumour.

The book is available in English (A Friend in Hope), French (Mon amie Claire), and Italian (La mia amica Speranza). Visit the website to order your copy.

 

To order your free copy of A Friend in Hope, click the following link (please note that the Italian version is only available in digital format): http://www.braintumour.ca/614/resources-request-and-contact-form