Turning a Setback into a Comeback!
Zazel is a professional dancer, actress and model, and a brain tumor survivor. The aftermath of her surgery left her partially paralyzed, but this didn’t stop her creative spirit. With all the strength she could muster, Zazel fought her physical therapist to push her beyond all expectations. Now Zazel has turned her situation into a gift by teaching dance to people with disabilities and brain injuries -- showing them that dance can be a healing art form. Zazel says everyone can have the power of "Turning a Setback into a Comeback!"
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Using My Experience to Help Others
Corey is a young adult ependymoma survivor. In December 2006, a week after her 22nd birthday, Corey was diagnosed with an ependymoma brain tumor in her left temporal lobe. This came as a shock as she had no symptoms prior to her diagnosis, and the brain tumor was discovered by MRI results after a car accident. Corey lives in Texas with her fiancé, and is now a full-time graduate student studying psychology.
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Strong in Faith, Love, and Miracles
Of Catherine’s four adult children, three were diagnosed with brain tumors. Her family has participated in studies looking at a possible familial link of brain tumors. Her daughter Cheryl was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma in 1990; her son Tom Jr. was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma in 1996 (right frontal lobe); and her daughter Michelle was diagnosed in 2000 with an anaplastic astrocytoma (left frontal lobe). All three children are survivors, but experience varying deficits.
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Life Changing Event
For years Nina experienced severe headaches and dizziness, and began having problems completing everyday tasks. Her life changed during Memorial Day weekend in 2008 when a MRI showed a bleeding tumor (cavernous hemangioma). She was airlifted to a larger treatment center where she had surgery. Nina’s recovery has been an ongoing process. As a result, she has learned how to take things one day at a time and to "not sweat the small stuff." Nina’s advice to others that are newly diagnosed with a brain tumor is that "there is help and support out there…to reach out and let people help."
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Navigating the Federal Government Benefits System
Dan worked in human resources for 12 years, so even before he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, he was well informed about public and private benefit plans. When it was time for him to apply to Social Security Disability Insurance, it was no surprise he saw the “red tape” and how long it takes to receive benefits.
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