Unfortunately, people who have brain tumors often experience complexities. Each type of a brain tumor can impact many factors influencing quality of life, survival, and prevention. Learn from 10 Wow Factors about Brain Tumor Awareness Month from a 19 Year Survivor that highlight information about the disease. My goal is for people to understand these brain tumor facts, with knowledge and aspiration to make a difference. That includes insights and inspiration to fund research. As certain people already know, time is of the essence.

On March 18, 2017, I became a 19-year brain tumor survivor. Upon reflection from age 24 to 43, I feel compelled to share this story I wrote years ago, and never published until now. The story conveys some of my experiences as a young adult with a brain tumor, my first awake brain surgery, and how I entered a new world. Although many changes have occurred since then—in my personal transformation, the brain surgical approach, and process—the journey may offer some insights for people enduring challenging situations. This story also provides details into my calling.

As I know how the unexpected can happen anytime, milestones can provide a sense of remarkable achievements. On November 18, 2013, my third awake brain surgery was performed by Linda Liau, MD, PhD at UCLA, and today marks my three-year anniversary. And I’m still here, alive, and thriving.

With almost two decades of involvement in the cancer arena, both personally and professionally, I know that sound decision-making is key to quality of life and survivorship. Explore 6 areas that are vital to finding the best quality of care and treatments in the cancer journey.

With extensive personal experiences over 18 years as a cancer survivor, I understand that integrative cancer care is transforming. People with cancer, practitioners, providers, and other players in the U.S. are continuing to wake-up about integrative treatments and strategies—addressing disease, supporting health, and invigorating wellness. In the process, some individuals do not understand essential dynamics of the whole person and key benefits. Here are 4 major factors everyone should know about integrative cancer care.

Motivation is required in a path to heal. Clear information, clear explanations, and clear maps bring forth improvements and transformation. Explore some of my recent articles, including topics about my brain tumor story, integrative cancer care, specific aspects of the whole person, strategies, compelling interviews, treatment, research, and quality care.

In the tides of life—and personal transformation through the unexpected with my brain tumor diagnosis March 18, 1998, at age 24—today I’m officially an 18 year brain tumor survivor. Alive and thriving in the present I continue to strive to reach my optimal potential. In connection with each of you, I want to share 5 important reasons why I’m still here.

Through my brain tumor journey benefits occurred for me—as well as other cancer patients—by skillfully addressing challenges from treatment, side effects, and overwhelm. Learn about important strategies to improve brain health for cancer patients.

Explore these important tips to reduce some undesired emotions, become more clear, and create significant improvements in your journey through 6 tips to optimize communication with oncologists.

Learn about several recent 2015 UCLA brain tumor research events and other exciting happenings, including Art of the Brain for UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program, Visionary Ball for UCLA Neurosurgery, news about the Golden Portal Awards for UCLA Brain Tumor Program, and UCLA brain tumor laboratories.

Overall, I do not ask why me. However, it can happen sometimes when the unexpected emerges, or when I’m asking questions with the goal to bring forth new answers.

For many years since the beginning of getting a brain tumor diagnosis until now, I have done volunteer work for various non-profits and hospitals. Recently, I had the privilege to be invited as an Ambassador to Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2).