CINN Medical Group Physician Blog

No matter how bad the tumor, there are always survivors

Two recent events got me thinking. The first was the news of Senator Kennedy’s diagnosis of brain tumor and its early treatment. Of course, the pundits already have him dead and buried, while the academic institutions vie for the opportunity to serve him…and themselves. The second was the CINN Foundation brain tumor walk (Strides to Save Lives) in Lincoln Park on a recent sunny Sunday morning. Over 700 patients and family/support groups attended. The participants were given T-shirts, white for the supporters and green for the survivors. No matter how bad the tumor, there are always survivors.

I mentioned that the rest of the world was in the process of learning what those folks already know; the fear, the pain and the hope when the diagnosis has been made.

It was a wonderful day with children’s games and face painting, Salsa music, burgers and hot dogs, and, of course the walk. I think we all left feeling a bit more hope and strength through our relationships with one another. I think that is one of the major determinants between who wins and who loses. But you can do neither unless you at least run. And we raised almost $100,000 for brain tumor research, another important determinant.