This topic came up in one of our Brain Tumor Zoom Support Groups recently and I had to elaborate more on it. Apologizing for having a brain tumor is both unnecessary and counterproductive. A brain tumor is a medical condition that arises without any intentional action on the part of the individual. Just as one wouldn't apologize for catching a cold or developing diabetes, there's no rational reason to feel the need to apologize for something as complex and uncontrollable as a brain tumor. Apologies often imply a sense of guilt or responsibility, which are entirely misplaced in the context of a medical diagnosis. Instead of apologizing, those of us with a brain tumor should focus on understanding this condition, seek appropriate medical care, and find the necessary emotional and social support. Apologizing for a health issue perpetuates the harmful notion that individuals are somehow to blame for their own medical conditions. By refraining from apologizing, you can contribute to changing the narrative around illness and promoting empathy and understanding. Being open and talking about your brain tumor diagnosis encourages conversations about health struggles, reduces stigma, and allows others to grasp the reality that illnesses are multifaceted and can affect anyone, regardless of their actions or choices. Embracing one's journey without the burden of unnecessary apologies empowers individuals to focus on healing, personal growth, and advocacy for a more inclusive and compassionate society. At BrainTumor | Meningioma Companion we strive to make noise, to end the silence of this lonely journey, and to work on any feelings of shame or embarrassment around this condition. Nobody in this club wanted to be here, yet here we are! Surviving, fighting, and doing the best we can. Sorry, not sorry! |
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SAVE THE DATE! On Saturday, October 7th, 2023, USC Brain Tumor Center will host a luncheon in Los Angeles, CA, for our Brain Tumor Companion community. Everyone is welcome to RSVP and attend this FREE event. Plan to arrive at 10 am and stay through 2 pm. This is a unique opportunity to meet with USC's neuro team and learn of the new advancements in their neurosurgery department. USC will honor our fundraising effort to help move research forward. If you have yet to donate and want to give a tax-deductible gift, please do so now by clicking here. We still have a long way to go to hit our goal. Every $5 helps! If you plan to attend, consider extending your stay as there may be an evening mixer or dinner planned this same evening for our community. So excited to connect people in our amazing #BTCompanion community. Hope to see you there! |
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A POSSIBLE VACCINE FOR CANCER? |
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ARE YOU IN THE KANSAS CITY AREA? On Sunday, August 27th, a few of us Brain Tumor Companions will be present at the Head for the Cure KC 5k walk/ run. This is our 2nd year participating in an HFC event and assisting with raising funds for their research. If you are in the area and want to participate, sign up to run on team Lindseys Soldiers, or skip the race and come by Einsteins Bagels for the after-party where we will be raffling off some really great items. All funds raised are going to research on this day so participate, maybe win, and give a tax-deductible gift! RSVP for the after-party on Facebook by clicking on the image below. See you there! |
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Check out our Brain Tumor Zoom Support Group, there is a session just about every week. Jump in where you can, you will be glad you did. The current schedule can be found by clicking here. Simply reply to this email what day you want! |
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Copyright © 2023 Brain Tumor Companion LLC | Meningioma Companion All Rights Reserved *The information provided in this newsletter is not to be perceived as medical advice, simply information that is shared by brain tumor peers. Brain Tumor Companion | Meningioma Companion is not contracted or paid to promote any of the people, companies, or groups that are provided on this platform. |
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