I founded the International Neuroscience Foundation (INF) two years ago, after surviving a rare and often fatal brain tumor. Together with the pioneering team of medical and surgical specialists that saved my life, I realized the imminent need for specialized medical care and advanced research on brain and spinal tumors. My story illustrates why the INF is devoted to enhancing the overall physical and emotional well-being of this underserved patient population, and why I hope you will join our growing list of individual and corporate supporters.

I first noticed something was wrong when I was 26 years old and constantly plagued by an overwhelming sense of fatigue. I also began to have other inexplicable symptoms. I gained 30 pounds in the year following my wedding, despite working out six days a week and dieting. I stopped menstruating and became unbelievably clumsy ... bumping into walls ... dropping things ... even drooling when I ate. The specialists I visited said that these changes were nothing to worry about and just mere “growing pains”—yet my symptoms continued to get worse, and I became increasingly depressed.

After years of being incorrectly diagnosed, an MRI led doctors to find a rare, tennis-ball-size brain tumor at the base of my skull, called a Chordoma. The tumor had caused my bizarre symptoms by disrupting the function of nearby glands and nerves. Doctors said that my tumor would kill me if not immediately removed. As terrified as I was, part of me felt relieved—at least now I had an explanation for what had been plaguing me. Like many people in this situation, my first impulse was to find out all 1 could about my illness and how it could be treated. Yet, my search for “the facts” was frustrating—little patient information was available, and different sources were confusing and contradictory. After seeing many doctors and receiving a devastating prognosis from each, a neurosurgeon named Dr. Chandranath Sen (co-founder of the INF) was recommended to me. I was told that he was one of only five neurosurgeons in the U.S. who knew how to perform the complex, life-threatening procedure needed to remove my tumor.

My first twelve-hour surgery immediately, and to my astonishment, relieved my symptoms (for instance, I lost 20 pounds within days following the operation). A second lengthy surgery followed to remove the shell of the tumor that remained. This was followed by subsequent years of chronic meningitis that was ultimately cured by another series of brain surgeries. Other problems ensued due to the surgery-related nerve damage, including six months of double vision in one eye and the permanent loss of my sense of smell.

Today at age 31, I feel strong, healthy, and tremendously blessed to have had the support I needed for a second chance at life. Like many who survive a life-threatening illness, I feel a renewed sense of purpose—and helping the INF help others is vital to me. As a result of my experiences, I have begun to learn where the gaps in communication lay. The INF works with patients to find information and answers about their tumors. We help them obtain the best medical care available while still making sure their emotional needs are met. The INF’s programs are designed to address all their critical needs and treat them as individuals. With your support, this growing foundation will help many others with brain and spinal tumors confront their illness with optimism, and find their own happy endings.