Faces of Brain Tumors

When someone is diagnosed with a brain tumor, their world and their family's world are turned upside down. They are faced with a multitude of medical decisions which include MRIs, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. They must make decisions about where to get second and third opinions, which brain tumor center to go to, what clinical trials are available, finding alternative treatment options, and maintaining some quality of life. They are faced with the impact of the disease on their careers, school, family, and friends. They face disability, insurance issues, and financial instability when trying to pay for treatments that can cost thousands of dollars per month.

Several people, many of whom are members of B.R.A.I.N., have written a story about their journey. We could quote books full of statistics, but it is these stories that will help you to better understand this disease and the impact it has on the lives of those whom it affects. Please take a few minutes to read the stories of their struggles, their determination and fortitude, and their daily fight with the disease. Just click on a face to read their story, and you'll come to realize that we must do more, now, to find a cure.

Katie BennerKatie Benner email
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma
Diagnosed January 5, 2004
Richmond, VA


Kevin FreelandKevin Freeland
Written by Joyce Mills email
Brain Tumor
Diagnosed August, 2003
Deltaville, VA

Daniel GregoryDaniel Gregory
Written by Karen Gregory email
Mixed Oligoastrocytoma
Diagnosed December 28, 2003
Ashland, VA

Daniel SchiaffoDaniel Schiaffo
Written by his Parents
Medulloblastoma
Diagnosed April 8, 1998
March 19, 1990 - May 29, 2000

Katie SchoolsKatie Schools
Written by Susan & Chris Schools
Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma
Glen Allen, VA


Marguerite SciukMarguerite Sciuk email
Oligo-Astrocytoma Grade II
Diagnosed May 6, 2003
Manakin-Sabot, VA


Paige WoolwinePaige Woolwine
Anaplastic Astrocytoma
Diagnosed August, 2002
Richmond, VA