Brain Cancer

I just thought I'd jump right into what I wanted to talk about today, so there you have it, Cancer.

Did you know that May is Brain Tumor Awareness month? It's okay. I didn't either. You can learn a little about it here. I'm slowly learning a good bit about cancer. My Uncle was diagnosed with a brain tumor back in the summer of 2010. He had surgery and the majority of it was removed, but some stayed. The part they couldn't get to. He went through rounds of chemo and took radiation pills. I BELIEVE it was just after his first round when this picture was taken:

Andrew meeting his Papa for the first time. Yes, he's my Uncle but Andrew claims him as another Grandfather. 

I think Papa has another fan!

He had another MRI just a few weeks ago, and sadly the tumor had grown. I can speak for all of his family in the south by saying that we were all devastated. I can't even begin to put into words what his immediate family must of felt. He had a consult last Tuesday and had his 2nd surgery yesterday morning. I don't know too much information now other than it WAS malignant and he's going to start daily radiation pills again. No chemo needed for now. As of this morning he was up, sounding good and walking around. He was expected to be out of the hospital by noon.

Can we talk about that? How wonderful are doctors and technology these days?? My uncle had brain surgery yesterday. He's going home today. That's insane. In every wonderful way possible. I'm sure he's not in the clear, but he's home. He had a tumor removed yesterday and now he's home. Amen!

So, it's been a tough few years for them and it's not going away. I can't physically be there with them to help or support in any way and I HATE that. It's hard to be away from family on a day-to-day basis, but add in these situations and it's downright torturous.

So when the opportunity came up for me to be a part of Relay for Life this year, I jumped on it! That's how I can help. I can raise money for research and awareness. I can do this in honor of one of the strongest men I know.
So here is the link. I strongly dislike asking for money for any circumstances, so I'm not really asking per say. I'm throwing the opportunity out there for you if you feel called to give in any amount. If you can't, no hard feelings whatsoever. But if this speaks to you or you were just plain looking to donate to a cause, here is the link to do so
If you can't donate financially, we'll take all the prayers you willing to send up! According to the website I listed above, there is a 5-year survival rate for people with brain tumors. I don't really know what to expect for my Uncle, but we'll take prayers for just about anything. A miracle. Comfort for him and our family. Strength. Understanding. For him to live as long a life as possible. We'll take it all.