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 survivor who is depending on the challenge to meet her fitness goals, get moving this winter and raise awareness and funds for the brain tumor community.
Survivor Overcomes Brain Tumor Challenges and Celebrates Milestones
Julie McHugh has plenty to celebrate this coming February. She has persevered through a challenging wellness journey, shedding over 100 pounds and establishing a successful fitness routine. She is also marking the first anniversary of her meningioma brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. And she’s celebrating these milestones by taking on the ABTA 28-Mile Challenge this February.
“I plan to bike either outside or on my stationary bike,” said Julie. “I want to challenge myself a little bit more this year, compared to last year.”
Julie is no stranger to the ABTA Challenge. Her first foray into the winter virtual movement and fundraising challenge occurred just weeks after her brain surgery for her meningioma brain tumor in January 2024.
“In October of 2023, I started having some symptoms with pulsatile tinnitus (the sensation of hearing a rhythmic noise) in my ears. That, combined with a family history of brain tumors, prompted my doctor to recommend a CAT scan.”
Learn about common brain tumor symptoms
More than ten years earlier, Julie’s sister was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain tumors that is still without a cure. These signs and her family experience with a brain tumor, motivated Julie to seek answers for her own symptoms.
Both CAT scan and MRIs showed two meningioma brain tumors. Doctors performed brain surgery in January 2024 to remove the tumor behind her right eye.
“I have another tumor that we’re watching and waiting, because it appears calcified,” said Julie. “I’m incredibly blessed to be doing so well in recovery.”
Calcification in meningioma tumors, typically, signifies slow or absent tumor growth, which doctors will closely monitor without surgery.
After receiving clearance from her doctors to participate in the ABTA challenge in 2024, Julie started slow, often taking 10-minute walks here and there each day. She was able to take longer walks daily or weekly, often with the encouragement and accompaniment of her loved ones, including her parents and husband.
“The ABTA Challenge came at a very good time for me. I was able to get back into the habits that I had already developed from my weight loss journey,” said Julie. “I just wanted to make sure that I did everything I could to make my recovery as successful as possible.”
You Can Join the ABTA 28-Mile February Challenge
Even in the middle of winter, it’s the perfect time to participate in the 28-Mile ABTA Challenge in February!
Join Julie and hundreds of others across the country to get moving. You can complete the challenge in a way that works for you—walking, running, biking, dancing, hiking and more! The goal: cover 28 miles, one step at a time.
Benefits of Participating in the ABTA Challenge:
- Completely virtual: Move wherever and whenever it suits you.
- Free to join: No cost to participate.
- Flexible pace: Go at your own speed—try a mile a day for 28 days.
How to join the 28-Mile February Challenge:
- Sign up through Facebook starting Thursday, January 9.
- Create your fundraiser page to support the ABTA.
- Join the Challenge Facebook Group to connect with fellow participants.
Complete your 28 miles by Friday, February 28, and make every step count toward raising awareness and funds for brain tumor support, education and research.
Julie’s Top 3 Tips to Stay Motivated in the ABTA Challenge
With the upcoming ABTA 28-Mile February Challenge, Julie shares three ways to keep you motivated and moving. She plans to incorporate these techniques again for this year’s challenge.
- Get in the ‘Zone’ with Music or Podcasts: Julie put on a podcast and got outside, weather permitting. Consider other types of listening content like music, audible books or guided tours.
- Find a Fitness Partner(s) for Accountability: Julie accompanied her husband to the gym and walked on the treadmill when she could; her parents would join her on walks during recovery as well. Invite someone to join you for walks, hikes, bike rides and other activities to motivate yourself and others.
- Join the Virtual Community for Support: Julie plans to remain active on the Facebook Challenge Group, which is an online social community for the ABTA Challenge. The Facebook Group inspires participants by fostering connections throughout February.
Julie emphasizes that raising awareness and staying involved in your health community are key to a successful journey. By getting involved and listening to others, participants learn, energize and support each other on their brain tumor journey. It may also help you to stay at the forefront of brain tumor treatments and advancements.
Get ready to move for yourself and the brain tumor community!
