Share Your Story

Your story is powerful and can help raise awareness and support for others facing similar challenges. By sharing your experience, you bring hope to others and show them that they are not alone.

Story submissions should be fewer than 1,000 words. We encourage you to focus on how having a brain tumor has impacted your life or what you want others to understand about brain tumors. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Patient & Caregiver Stories

Story Submissions Disclaimer

The stories featured on this page are submitted by patients, caregivers, and families who have chosen to share their personal experiences. These stories reflect the individual perspectives and opinions of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA).

The ABTA does not independently verify the details of these stories and cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness. The information shared in these stories should not be considered as medical advice or a substitute for professional consultation with qualified healthcare providers.

By reading or submitting content to this page, you acknowledge and agree that the ABTA is not responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided in these stories.

If you have concerns about any content on this page, please contact us at info@abta.org

Three people hold up a blue Team ABTA sign (Jim Watters, ABTA on left) is a long-time dedicated volunteer giving back with his time and energies in memory of his wife Janet.

Giving Back with Your Time & Energy

ABTA volunteers drive our mission, bringing promise to patients and families. This National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 20-26, 2025), we celebrate and express our gratitude for all the individuals who […]

Avid Runner Springs into Action After Glioblastoma Diagnosis

It’s spring – a time to rejuvenate, refresh and take action. Learn how one runner’s glioblastoma diagnosis became the catalyst for resilience, hope and perseverance. A Shocking Wake-Up Call Nicole […]

Advancing Treatment Options for Primary CNS Lymphoma

TakeAim Lymphoma – Now Enrolling ** Sponsored by Curis. This content is not an endorsement from the ABTA.**  Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL) Curis is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing […]

Five smiling individuals standing in front of a tranquil background with medical providers

Out of the Ashes: Undergoing Chemoradiation for Glioblastoma Treatment during the Devastating Pacific Palisades Fire in Southern California

** Sponsored by Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI). This content is not an endorsement from the ABTA.**  By Emmaline Mauitson, MPAP, PA-C James, 75, was vacationing in Hawaii with his wife […]

A Serendipitous Love Story

Some love stories are written in the stars, while others begin with an unexpected knock on the wrong door. That’s how Scott and Steffanie’s journey started—by chance, or perhaps fate. […]

Finding Strength and Peace After a Glioblastoma Diagnosis: My Journey to Healing

by Amber Gardenhire Being diagnosed with stage IV glioblastoma (GBM) eight years ago changed everything. My doctors are still amazed that I haven’t had a recurrence, and I’m beyond grateful. […]

My Meningioma Journey: Finding Hope and Purpose During the Pandemic

by Lynn Wynn When the pandemic began in 2020, my life changed in ways I could have never imagined. I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor on the left […]

Caroline Williams brain tumor during pregnancy

Caroline Williams’ Journey: A Brain Tumor Diagnosis During Pregnancy

by Caroline Williams In March 2022, Caroline Williams began experiencing symptoms she thought were just “pregnancy brain.” At 17 weeks pregnant, her struggles with speaking, reading, and writing seemed like […]

How I Meet Hope Head On: My Journey with a Meningioma

by Justine LaClair Facing a brain tumor diagnosis is a challenge I never expected, but my story is one of resilience, hope, and determination. In 2013, I had a large […]

From Tumor to Triumph: How a Meningioma Survivor is Conquering a 28-Mile Challenge with Heart and Hope

If your New Year’s resolution is to increase or improve your physical activity and remain healthy as possible, then don’t miss the ABTA Challenge in February. Meet one brain tumor […]

Processing Our Brain Cancer Journey Through Song

Juliann before her biopsy in 2019 Juliann and her sister-in-law, Karli, who joined in shaving her head in solidarity and support A recent photo of Scott and his family on

The Will to Defeat GBM

By: Dan Zappa, Glioblastoma Survivor There is no routine for a military family! Our young family was making plans for a return to “normal life” when I came home from