My opinions

When I facilitate "the group", there are certain things I cannot say. Here however - it is fair game!!!

Please be advised that the following are just my opinions - and others might certainly disagree with me. But - here goes!

Awareness is the answer

In our world, money rules. If you want anything, you need money. I belong to a group of folks that want tumors cured. That will take lots of....yep, you guessed it - MONEY! It's a fact of life - we need to accept this as fact. So - how do we raise the money required to find a cure? Awareness! The more we make the general public aware of tumors means that the more (some) of those folks will contact their elected officials, who will then represent our desires in the way that they vote for certain bills. They will support more money being directed toward brain and spine tumor research. This funding is what is needed! The cure is out there - just waiting to be found!

So - what can we "little people" do?

1) Raise awareness - write articles for local papers, speak to others, put up posters, GET CREATIVE!!!

2) Contact your elected officials and make your feelings known.

Let's get organized!

There are a ga-jillion brain tumor organizations out there. All are well intended, for sure. In almost every case, these organizations were started after the loss of a loved one due to a tumor. This is good

however...

almost ALL of these organizations are duplicating their efforts by accomplishing the exact same tasks as the other organizations. I have a military background where the hierarchy of rank is clearly defined. Try to imagine fighting a war with several different generals in charge at the same time - each with a different plan of attack! Nothing would get done - efforts would be wasted - it would be pandemonium! But - THIS is exactly what our organizations are doing...we have no centralized leadership. The war is not being won....Worse yet, one organization may feel superior to another one (I have seen this first hand). When you see a pink anything, you automatically connect it with breast cancer. Gray? - boy do we have a long way to go...

Let's not forget that this is human life we are dealing with...we HAVE to get organized.

Attitude is everything

You are what you think you are. You are NOT the tumor - do not let it become your life. It is just another hurdle in YOUR life. Take a few minutes each day to meditate. Relax your mind. Plan your day. Be resolute to be happy - no matter what! No one can make you sad if you don't want to be sad. Think about the blessings you have in your life. Do not dwell on the bad - that will drag you down...Think only about the good - push the bad thoughts out of your mind! Understand that the mind is more powerful than medical science can concieve of! I heard this one once years ago, and I try to use it in my life. The story goes that an old Native American was asked how he seemed to be at peace all the time, even in the face of adversity. He answered, "There are two dogs inside me...one is good and one is evil. The strongest one is whichever one I feed." So - I say to you...feed your good dog.