I thought I would begin this new year by answering some common questions. If you have concerns not addressed below please reply to this email and ask.
What is Brain Tumor Companion (BTC) all about?
Brain Tumor|Meningioma Companion was created to connect people who truly understand what this journey feels like. Stop getting lost on social media pages under hundreds of comments and scaring yourself with endless Google searches. Now you can learn directly from your peers and you no longer have to feel alone. Some of our BTC highlights in the last 2 years:
Raised over $15k for brain tumor research
Collected over $6k for in-kind gifts to support numerous BTC members during hardships
Hosted 4 educational zooms, over 4 hours, from 4 top neurosurgeons from Lenox Hill NYC
Managed 3 Instagram pages @MeningiomaCompanion @BTCompanion @BrainTumorCompanion
Managed 2 Facebook Pages @MeningiomaCompanion @BrainTumorCompanion
Created hundreds of personalized MAY GRAY pictures for people to post on their social media
Logo Tanks, T's, Sweatshirts, Dog Tag Necklaces, Key Chains, even stickers and fake tattoos
Over 1K followers, over 100 zoom members (40 of whom actively engage on a private BTC page)
Successfully hosted 137 peer zoom groups as well as many one-on-one sessions
What is a brain tumor peer zoom group?
Brain Tumor Zoom Support Groups (BTZSG) are hosted weekly for people at all stages of this journey. Good candidates for a BTZSG include the patient, the caregiver, and any support people. In these sessions, we learn all the real-life details about our condition and together we vent, laugh, cry, and celebrate our wins. These groups last 90+ minutes, create new connections and friendships, and bring together those who actually "get it!"
Why does BTC charge a small fee for some sessions?
Managing this platform comes with many expenses. The website, domain, database, and apps/technology to keep up with the need only name a few. To date, BTC expenses have totaled over $10k, so the $7 seat fee for some sessions helps to offset this cost. As of January 2023, the BTC continues to run a negative balance, currently at -$1,678.00. Anything ever made is reinvested immediately which helps to raise awareness, provide education and support, and offer connection in a growing community. My time and dedication to creating, maintaining, and nurturing this supportive network is FREE and has been since day one! The small fees you pay for my time and merchandise simply help me to keep the platform going.
What is a BTC one-on-one session?
This is you connecting directly with me, Angel, so that I can lend companionship, be your patient advocate, and assist in any way possible with your journey. I am 10 years on my brain tumor journey, 4 years post my craniotomy, and I continue to make myself available for solo sessions because some people are shy to meet others and share their story, or they can't handle the stimulation of a large zoom group which given this condition makes perfect sense. These sessions are $20 per 30 minutes and most people book an hour for $40.
Can I participate if I am not in the USA?
YES! Please connect with us. It doesn't matter where you are from, the path for many of us is quite similar. These groups are hosted in Los Angeles, California, so as long as you can correctly plan for the time difference and speak English you are absolutely welcome to join. In fact, we currently have members from Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Australia!
What does the logo mean?
Simply put it means companionship and togetherness. Often many of us on this journey feel empty inside, hollow, and a shell of who we once were prior to this life-changing diagnosis. This logo expresses that together, with heart and compassion, we can love and accept our new life. We are a tribe of survivors and this logo remains a precious representation of our beautiful community.
How can I buy merchandise?
Email me and tell me what you want. I have a variety of items, much of which you can find on social media. Still in stock are sweatshirts, keychains, and everyone's favorite the stronger together dog-tag necklace. Message me for a free tattoo, see below!
I really can't afford to pay anything can I join/follow for FREE?
YES! Your first BTZSG session is free to try. You may sign up for the last group of every month which is FREE. There are no membership fees here, you can communicate with me directly through email and you can benefit from the information on the website. Make time to check out all the FREE resources on YouTube too! There are HOURS of educational videos that can help you on this journey.
Visit the Brain Tumor Companion Channel today! youtube.com/@braintumorcompanion