Winnipeg Athlete Overcomes Brain Tumour and Dedicates Time to Finding a Cure

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Winnipeg Athlete Overcomes Brain Tumour and Dedicates Time to Finding a Cure

May 30, 2011

Scott Chudley is a busy guy. The life-long Winnipegger and one time golf pro is now an Education Assistant, as well as a student studying to be a teacher. He is also a determined athlete and coordinator for the upcoming Spring Sprint for Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Scott has good reason for adding this to his all-ready full plate – he is one of the 55,000 Canadians affected by a brain tumour. Scott is working with other Winnipeggers affected by a brain tumour who hope the community will support the June 5th event at Assiniboine Park.

It was 2008 when Scott’s wife Jackie first noticed symptoms such as hearing loss and balance problems while he was in training for an upcoming marathon and triathlon. A subsequent hearing test showed a marked hearing loss leading to a suggestion that he see his doctor. This led to Scott seeing an ear, nose and throat specialist who directly referred him for an MRI where within a week the tumour was found. Before he knew it, Scott learned he had an acoustic neuroma, a benign tumour that sits on the eighth cranial nerve which is responsible for hearing.

“When it was discovered it was 11 millimetres. I’m told it’s not common. They don’t usually treat it because it usually happens in older adults, but I was 37,” says Scott. “Then they said that I had three options, sit on it and wait, gamma knife surgery, or full surgery.” Scott and Jackie researched their options, all the treatments and side effects. For them the decision was clear and Scott underwent gamma knife surgery to stop the tumour’s growth in March, 2009.

“When you go for treatment they bolt a titanium halo on your head, give you an MRI and strap you down to the gurney so you can’t move during the surgery. My work up program took 28 minutes. It was painless and not what you think brain surgery is. I thought it was a cool experience even though the reason was not good,” remembers Scott. The biggest side-effect today is some hearing damage. Scott also has yearly MRIs to monitor the tumour.

As a runner, Scott sees the Spring Sprint as his way to share his knowledge and educate others about the work and efforts of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. “I didn’t hear about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada until I was diagnosed and we want to change that,” says Scott. “Working with them gives me that feeling that I’m doing something positive to help others.”

He is optimistic that others will see the need and support the cause. “My hope would be that anyone diagnosed with a brain tumour would be able to do the treatment, it would work, and no more worries,” says Scott. “It’s obviously a good cause and its one of those things where they’re just scratching the surface with so many different types of tumours.”

Winnipeg Spring Sprint, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s national fundraising walkathon program, features 2.5 or 5km routes for walkers, joggers and runners at Assiniboine Park. The event is run by a dedicated group of local volunteers who are determined to improve the lives of those affected by a brain tumour. The national goal this year is to raise $1.5 million to fund research into the cause and better treatments for brain tumours. This includes research being conducted across Canada including a project at Cancer Care Manitoba exploring the molecular markers of Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most deadly form of brain cancer.

“The prospect for all of the research that will be conducted as a result of the funds raised is very exciting,” says Susan Marshall, Executive Director of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. “Our vision is to find a cure for brain tumours and to improve the quality of life for those affected and we all move closer to this reality with the efforts of Spring Sprint.”

Donations also support important education, information, and support for the estimated 55,000 Canadians affected by brain tumours such as: adult and pediatric patient resource handbooks, information sheets and one-on-one support available via telephone or email. Patient care is also improved with health care professional in-services and workshops at local treatment centres. These programs and services are run by Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada with the vision to find the cause of and cure for brain tumours while improving the quality of life for those affected.

On Sunday June 5th, join Scott, Jackie and their son Carter along with the many Winnipeggers affected by a brain tumour at the Spring Sprint at Assiniboine Park, Duck Pond.

Event: Spring Sprint for Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
2.5km and 5km walk and run for walkers, joggers and runners.
Dates: Sunday, June 5, 2011: Check-in: 9:30 a.m. & Start: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Assiniboine Park, Duck Pond, 460 Assiniboine Park Dr, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3P 0R5
Register: www.springsprint.ca or 1 800 265 5106

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For more information, please contact:

Megan Winkler
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
Website: www.braintumour.ca

P: 1 800 265 5106 ext 232
E: mwinkler@braintumour.ca
Event Website: www.springsprint.ca

About Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
There are an estimated 55,000 people in this country living with a brain tumour and 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, many of those are children. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada provides information through a free, comprehensive Patient Resource Handbook, live and web-based annual education events, and support through a Canada-wide, toll-free 1-800 line, website (www.braintumour.ca), and 23 support groups that meet monthly across Canada. Brain tumour research is also supported through an annual grants-in-aid program. To date $2.75 million has been directed to brain tumour research. Please visit Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s website at www.braintumour.ca.

For more information contact:
Megan Winkler
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
Phone: 1-800-265-5106 ex 232
Cell: 519-494-7076
Email: mwinkler@braintumour.ca
Website: www.braintumour.ca

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