May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month: Uniting in the Fight Against a Silent Enemy
Christopher Kunney, FHIMSS, eFACHDM, MSMOT
Brain Tumor Survivor, ACHDM & HIMSS Fellow, ForbesBLK, Managing Partner - IOTECH, Morehouse School of Medicine Industry & Faculty-Dignity Health Global Education, HIMSS Changemaker, Podcast Host, CHIME Alumni
A Brain Tumor Survivor's Journey...
My Story...
October 2016 will always be a significant memory in my life. It was both the best of times and the worst of times. I was living the American dream, serving as the Managing Partner of a successful healthcare technology consulting business, and emerging as a sought-after thought leader in our industry. The sky was the limit. Then, my life was turned upside down by a strange and recurring illness that began earlier in the year. After numerous tests and several second and third opinions, my neurologist informed me that my care team had discovered two tumors in the central and upper part of my brain. Due to the size and location of the tumor in the center of my brain, surgery was recommended to remove it. In the Spring of 2017, doctors at Emory University Hospital successfully removed the largest of the two, located on my hypothalamus.
This year I celebrate 9 years of recovery and I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, and the care teams at Mayo Clinic and Emory Healthcare for the excellent care, love, and support I received during this challenging period in my life.
The Importance of Brain Tumor Awareness Month
Every May, Brain Tumor Awareness Month serves as a crucial period to raise awareness about brain tumors and the significant impact they have on individuals and families. This observance aims to increase awareness, promote funding for research, and support those affected by brain tumors. It underscores the importance of recognizing symptoms, advancing research, and improving the treatments and care available for those diagnosed with brain tumors.
Understanding Brain Tumors
A brain tumor occurs when abnormal cells form within the brain. There are various types of brain tumors, which can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous), and their growth rates and aggressiveness can vary significantly. Symptoms often depend on the tumor’s size, type, and location and can include headaches, seizures, vision problems, changes in personality, and memory difficulties.
Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing brain tumors can be complex. Symptoms often resemble those of less severe illnesses, which can delay diagnosis. Once a brain tumor is suspected, imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans are typically used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options vary and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on several factors including the type, location, and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health.
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The Significance of Awareness and Research
Awareness plays a pivotal role in improving outcomes for patients. Early detection can lead to earlier treatment, which can significantly improve prognosis. Brain Tumor Awareness Month is crucial for disseminating information, sharing survivor stories, and educating the public about the signs and symptoms of brain tumors.
Research is another critical aspect highlighted during this month. Despite advances in medical science, brain tumors remain one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Increased funding and research are essential for developing more effective treatment strategies and ultimately, a cure. Awareness campaigns help in raising funds and fostering collaborations across research institutions, hospitals, and cancer support organizations.
Community and Support
Support for affected individuals and their families is another focus of Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Numerous organizations and communities rally to provide resources, support groups, and counseling to help patients and families navigate the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of a brain tumor diagnosis.
Conclusion
Brain Tumor Awareness Month is a time to unite in the fight against brain tumors. It is an opportunity for everyone—medical professionals, researchers, patients, and the public—to come together to promote awareness, advance research, and support those affected by this devastating disease. By participating in awareness events, wearing gray ribbons (the symbol for brain tumor awareness), and contributing to fundraising efforts, we can all be part of a larger effort to defeat brain tumors and offer hope to those in need.
A big shout-out to all those committed to defeating this illness and improving the quality of life for the many men, women, and children battling this disease every day.
?To learn more about Brain Tumor Awareness Month visit The National Institute Of Health's National Cancer Awareness Website:
"Let's Go Gray in May!!!"
Critically-Acclaimed Author | Brain Cancer Advocate | Certified Civil Mediator | Experienced Trial Lawyer
5 个月Great article Christopher! I am a 12-year GBM survivor and, like you, am committed to raising awareness about brain tumors and their devastating effects. We need more voices highlighting the importance of funding reseach and development initiatives that can lead to better treatments and CURES!! Let’s go gray every day.
Health Care Consultant | Digital Health Entrepreneur | Professor Digital Health
6 个月Thanks for sharing Christopher ..Never Knew
Duke School of Medicine MMCi Associate Director
6 个月The world is a better place with you in it! Thanks for sharing your story and raising awareness of brain tumors.
The Revenue Muse ??Marketing Practice Lead, Growth Advisor, @VentureTech Group (VTG)
6 个月Bless you Christopher Kunney, eFACHDM, CPHIMS, MSMOT for this awareness and for your remission. Unfortunately I lost my mother when I was a teenager and she was 45. Her brain tumor was stage 4 inoperable when discovered and she lived a year after steroid therapy, chemotherapy and radiation. A nightmare isn’t harsh enough to describe what it was like to watch her deterioration and the doctor’s limited understanding of the brain to help us understand what was going on. I hope that we will continue to advance with modern medicine and find more cures
Son Of A Nurse Leading With Heart and Purpose || Inspiring and Equipping Leaders in the Eds and Meds || Workforce Transformation || North America Director, Siemens Healthineers || Top Leadership Voice || Doctoral Student
6 个月Thanks for telling your story and sharing it to help others Christopher Kunney, eFACHDM, CPHIMS, MSMOT