In 2008, I experienced great highs and tremendous lows of life.  I had been hired by the McCain Campaign to be Deputy Regional Campaign Manager for the Southeast.  What a high that was!  

But that fall, life seemed to hand me the lowest of the lows.  My dear mom, Pamela Arnold, was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Brain Tumor.  In case you don't know, in nearly every instance, GBM's as they are known, are almost always fatal.  

I still remember the call that I had with my mom when I found out the news.  Some things are just seared in your memory forever.  It was late in the afternoon and I wasn't capable of driving after finding out, so I spent one of the most miserable afternoon's of my life, researching brain tumors on the internet.  In that dark period, my mind raced all over the place.  I found some solace in music.  I was homesick and wanted to be with my mom and family.  

In the days that follow, I must have been a wreck.  First was the biopsy and confirmation that indeed we were looking at a Glioblastoma.  Then the waiting game!  You can't make an appointment at a cancer specialist hospital without a pathology report.  I remember sitting in the hall waiting for the path report to come in so that I could get to Federal Express as fast as possible to send the report to Duke.  

It plays like a movie in my mind, but it was all too real.

Regardless, now it's been 15 years and Georgia is going to be home to one of the National Brain Tumor Society's signature events, a 5k run/walk and I am going to participate.  

In the years after my mom's death, I travelled to Boston for the National Brain Tumor Society and volunteered on Capitol Hill as an advocate for those fighting brain tumors.  It brought me enormous relief from the pain of my grief to meet and get to know others who had gone what I went through as a caregiver.  It helped me heal.   

I am uniting with others to make a difference in the fight against brain tumors. I am passionate about this cause, so I’m taking action. I need your help in this fight. National Brain Tumor Society will not rest until a cure exists - but more needs to be done. Please join in my effort!

I hope you'll donate to my efforts and help me reach my goal!

Thanks!