May, #GrayMay, is National Brain Tumor Society’s awareness month and my dad’s birthday,5/26/76. I was 10 months old when he died two weeks after his 35th birthday challenged with his third Pineoblastoma, a very rare/0.2% of brain tumors with less than 10% of those cases in adults. At that moment, the effects of cancer changed my life, leaving me an only child of an only parent. Cancer continued to devastate my family with the loss of my Mere (lung cancer), who provided tremendous support to mom and I.
The fight against cancer is fierce and many organization are working on solutions for cures, treatments and support for patients and families. I choose to join the fight fundraising for my regional Ochsner Cancer Institute that treated Dad, Mere, other friends and family who have gone, gotten through or are currently in care at Ochsner for various cancer treatment. Most recent losses are: Tara Bixby, Margaret Bell, Great Uncle Bob, Shell, neighbor Angela, mom’s college friend Wolfgang…
Researching the subject to better tell my story and assess my own health, considering possible genetic links, motivates me to study neuroscience with hopes to become a pediatric brain surgeon. The National Cancer Institute ranks Louisiana 46th in the nation for cancer incidence per 100,000. Donations to Ochsner Hospital support various initiatives, including patient care, research, education and community health programs. They help ensure access to high-quality healthcare and innovative treatments for patients in the Gulf South region.
Your donation here directly supports my family, friends and community, ensuring our unique culture of Louisiana can flourish. For that I am constantly grateful for the blessing of your generosity.
With sincere appreciation,
Evangeline