Gray May

Recently, I spent some time preparing for an annual event that my daughter and I participated in. The first year, 2016, she and I traveled together to Washington D.C.. The following year her husband and their boys joined as well.  Last year I participated virtually both in the Race for Hope 5K as well as the training and meetings.  Head to the Hill is a call for awareness and advocacy for those living with brain tumors as well as survivors and their families.  The event includes a fundraising walk/run/ride as well as meetings where we advocate to Congress for additional research/funding. We share our stories.  This year I struggled more than ever.  This was her passion.  I went along for "moral support", found people I could relate to, but was not comfortable in this arena.  How could I be?  My daughter had been a patient (twice), a survivor and now a statistic. I decided I couldn’t do it.

As much as I want to see and continue to hope for better treatment options as well as a cure for brain tumors and brain cancer, I continue to be sad that she will not benefit from these changes.  This year I am choosing to participate in the bike ride for the first time. I will ride in her memory on May 16. She knew how much I enjoy my rides so this is something I can do to support the National Brain Tumor Society.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.