One Kitchener-Waterloo Man's "Brain Tumour Adventure" Leads to Helping Others

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One Kitchener-Waterloo Man's "Brain Tumour Adventure" Leads to Helping Others

April 30, 2012

(Kitchener-Waterloo) The past year and a half have been challenging for brain tumour survivor, Tom Moran, but that doesn't slow him down on what he calls his, "BT [brain tumour] Adventure." Now, Tom is taking on the task of volunteering with the May 6 Kitchener-Waterloo Spring Sprint in support of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

When the Kitchener-Waterloo resident was first diagnosed with a massive Falx Meningioma in September 2010, his whole life changed overnight. "I was told my tumour was life threatening because of the size and where it was, deep in my brain," Tom recalls. It was just over a week later that Tom had surgery to remove the 5cm non-malignant tumour and since then, he has faced the challenges many survivors do: memory issues, body spasms and balance difficulties" even having to rework his golf swing, which Tom jokingly says was the hardest part.

Tom's journey began at the urging of a friend who noticed that he was exhibiting unusual behaviours and physical changes like speech difficulty and fatigue. Making a list of Tom's symptoms, he and his friend made a visit to Tom's family doctor. From there, Tom was rushed for a CT scan that confirmed the brain tumour diagnosis and the need for immediate surgery to remove the mass.

Following his operation, Tom joined his local brain tumour support group, even driving himself to his first meeting six weeks after his surgery. Resources like the monthly support group, and the Brain Tumour Patient Handbook that first connected Tom with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, are supported by funds raised through the annual Spring Sprint walk-a-thon/fun run program for the organization.

Tom has joined the 2012 Kitchener-Waterloo Spring Sprint volunteer team, working with the event's coordinator to gather sponsorship for the day. When asked what he's hoping to see as part of his first Spring Sprint, he says he hopes the event is bigger and better than ever. "It's my first time joining a Sprint so I look forward to seeing the results from everyone's hard work and efforts, and want to see even more dollars raised to support the brain tumour community."

Event: Kitchener-Waterloo Spring Sprint for Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
Dates: May 6, 2012, Check-in at 9:00 am and Walk/Fun Run starts at 10:00 am
Location: Waterloo Park (Westmount Road entrance)
Learn more: www.springsprint.ca

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About the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
27 Canadians are diagnosed every day with a brain tumour and there are an estimated 55,000 people in this country living with the disease, many of whom are children. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada offers hope and support to anyone affected by a brain tumour with materials like the free, comprehensive Brain Tumour Patient Handbooks, live and web-based education events, and support through a Canada-wide, toll-free 1-800 line, website (www.braintumour.ca), and a national network of monthly support groups and pediatric programs. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada also supports brain tumour research through annual grants and fellowships. Since the organization?s founding in 1982, more than $3 million has been directed to brain tumour research. Learn more at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada?s website: www.braintumour.ca.

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

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Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

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