09/04/2024
Just a girl and her dog accomplishing goals.
Yes - its been 10 years since my surgery to remove an ependymoma from my thoracic region. But the "recovery" continues everyday.
And in the recent year, I have been more prone to falling...and after a fractured knee cap, a busted up face last year and more scraped knees than a five year old, my anxiety around going for walks grew. Which then heightened my social anxiety, so I withdrew this past year. Giving up what I enjoy most = walking Piper.
Why am I am admitting this here?
Because this is a common issue for those affected by neurological tumors.
When I talked with my oncologist, Dr. Wasilewski, at The GIvens Brain Tumor Center about injuring my hand in a recent fall, she signed me up for their new Hedberg Survivorship Program. A Program comprised of experts on the area of oncology, nutrition, physical therapy and mental health. They understand that just because the tumor might be gone or shrunk, there are lifelong side effects patients deal with on a daily basis. There are physical issues that then affect mental health - which impacts our relationships. And it is the Power of Connection that helps heal our souls so that we can feel comfortable in our skin again.
So please join me and others as we walk together on Sept 22 to raise awareness of these tumors and funding for the Hedberg Survivorship Progam - the program has given me my confidence to walk my dog again.
For more information about our organization and how you can participate, visit:
www.walktalkconnect.org
