B.R.A.I.N.

This past weekend we participated in the annual Celebration of Hope walk put on by the Brain Tumor Resource And Information Network. We were representing my sister-in-law's Team of Faith, in memory of her late husband, Daniel, who passed away from brain cancer in 2006. Many people are affected by brain tumors each year and this non-profit organization is just one of many that help raise awareness and funds to support ongoing research to find a cure.

Cancer sucks. Regardless of what type it is. I've written about it in two different posts in the past, but will never be able to fully explain how much this disease has affected the people I love.

*My uncle is currently battling brain cancer. He has had two surgeries, both fairly successful, but will soon undergo radiation treatment to further eradicate the cancer cells.

*My maternal grandfather lives with bladder cancer, and though it is currently under control, he has to have frequent surgeries to remove tumors.

*My paternal grandfather was recently diagnosed with leukemia. He is currently on chemotherapy.

The list goes on and on; a good friend's grandfather recently passed away from a brain tumor, another good friend's mother is in remission from breast cancer, a cousin of mine had a rare form of bone cancer and lost his leg, a family friend is in remission from non-hodgkins lymphoma, another friend's mother passed away last year from pancreatic cancer. I'm sure there are more that I haven't even listed.

My bantering is not meant to be a downer; instead, meant to serve as awareness that this disease affects everyone in one way or another. Organizations like B.R.A.I.N. are uplifting and positive ways to share hope. The walk was a success and the organization raised over $15,000!