In March of 1998, I worked in the U.S. Congress with plans for law school. After appointments with doctors and an MRI, the unexpected emerged to hear the words: “You have a brain tumor.” Since then, I’ve had three awake brain surgeries in 1998, 2011, and 2013, radiation and oral chemotherapy in 2014, as well as clinical trials, including immunotherapy. Now, I’m a 21-year brain tumor survivor.

During my journey, I’ve seen a tremendous amount of emotional suffering related to brain cancer in patients and myself. Over time, I learned that my heartbreak and heartache changed in positive ways. The pain I experienced transformed me toward my calling in life to educate and advocate for people affected by brain tumors, as well as other roles, including fundraising.

There are unique challenges with brain cancer patients, and these statistics are impactful. Today, an estimated 700,000 people in the United States are living with a primary brain tumor, and over 86,000 more will be diagnosed in 2019. Despite the devastating prognosis, there have only been four FDA approved drugs and one device to treat brain tumors in the past 30 years. Brain tumors can be deadly, dramatically impact quality of life, and other factors for patients and their loved ones.

How can brain cancer be reduced and eliminated? Scientific research and clinical trials are paramount to find answers, which often takes many years. For discoveries to occur, and current research to be expanded, more money is needed.

Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure and National Brain Tumor Society joined together for 2019 Race For Hope to fundraise for brain cancer research. Please embrace my effort for more brain tumor research. Donate for this important cause.

Thank you for your support and love. I extend appreciation from my heart.

With gratitude, 

Jeannine Walston

P.S. Please feel free to join me at Race for Hope in Washington, DC on Sunday, May 5th. Go here. Click on ‘Join Jeannine’s Team’ and I’d be delighted to connect in person!