The mind is a powerful force. This year, Brain Tumor Awareness Month reminded us of one man in the brain tumor community who shows just how powerful, especially in times of adversity, the mind can be.

Eric Galvez considers himself to be a ‘mAss kicker’:

1. Someone who gets an intimidating diagnosis, hears the words,
“we found a mass in your _____ (insert important body structure here),” and
refuses to let it control their life.

After being diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor, Eric underwent surgery and radiation therapy. When it was time to begin several months of rehabilitation, Eric got into the ‘mAss kicking’ mindset and prepared himself to take on any obstacles and physical impairments he might face – and he did it with vigor.

On top of never missing a single appointment, Eric continuously asked his physical therapists to schedule extra meetings. While requiring almost total assistance in nearly everything he did post-operation and radiation, Eric assured his doctors that, one day, he would surf again.

It was during his time in rehabilitation that Eric recognized the power that his brain had over all of his physical limitations.

“A brain tumor is not necessarily a ‘death sentence’.
Part of me was reborn with a new attitude that said,
‘Why not’?”

Eric’s new “Why not?” outlook on life didn’t remain his alone. His mindset and perseverance spread to everyone with whom he came into contact, impressing even doctors who said that Eric, “challenges you; he motivates you; he takes you to another level.”

Eric Galvez is proof that, “The only thing limiting yourself is yourself.” As a ‘mAss Kicking’ leader in the brain tumor community, Eric inspires us to know that we “can accomplish anything that you really want to” – all we have to do is put our minds to it.

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As Brain Tumor Awareness Month comes to an end, pass this video and Eric’s message along to three people you know who are affected by brain cancer, and keep spreading hope for other mAss kickers out there…long after the month has passed.

Much like Jonny Imerman, the founder of Imerman Angels, Eric Galvez knows the immeasurable impact that results from one person sharing knowledge and inspiration with someone else who is experiencing the unknowns of cancer. Check out the website on his organization, mAss Kickers, for more info: http://masskickers.org/

Did you know that one of the most important missions in the cancer community today is to spread awareness about cancer symptoms to promote early diagnosis? Early detection means early treatment and greater chances of early success. This is why Mayor Daley has declared that Tuesday, April 12, 2011 is Chicago Blood Cancer Foundation Day and Blood Cancer Awareness Day in Chicago. The goal is to have citizens of Chicago be actively aware of Lymphoma, Leukemia and Myeloma and the efforts to fight them. Even though blood cancers are some of the most common, and most deadly, they seem to be overshadowed and under-studied.

The greatest tool against cancer is awareness and the  best way to be aware is to be educated about cancer signs and symptoms. The following article from Scott Seaman, a writer for the Chicago Cancer Examiner, is a great way to learn about some common signs and symptoms, as well as learn a little more about what blood cancer really is. Check it out!

Bat for the Cure is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was created to raise awareness about prostate cancer and to educate the public about prevention, detection and treatment. With early detection prostate cancer is 97% curable, but there is not enough awareness to encourage effective prevention. Fans for the Cure was created by Ed Randall, after he went into remission from prostate cancer at the age of 47, and later expanded into the baseball affiliate Bat for the Cure.

Ed is a radio and TV broadcaster for minor league baseball, as well as a cancer survivor. He has taken his cause to the minor league ballparks, with 2011 being his fifth consecutive season of prostate cancer advocacy nationwide. Since the beginning of Bat for the Cure, Ed’s team has been welcomed into more than 500 minor league ballparks.

In 2009 Bat for the Cure joined Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the ALS Foundation and Special Olympics as an Official Charitable Partner of Minor League Baseball. This campaign is the most expansive health care initiative in the history of the minor league.

Minor League Ballparks nationwide have awareness days where they rely on local volunteers to supervise information tables and pass out fliers to fans. The program is especially interested in finding prostate cancer survivors to volunteer in order to provide the best insight into the organization’s message.

Come out and support Bat for the Cure to help give a new meaning to the term “save” in baseball! For more information about the organization and to volunteer visit www.fansforthecure.org.

Jonny Imerman

Our mission here at Imerman Angels is to provide PERSONALIZED connections that enable one-on-one support among cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.  Jonny Imerman truly touched many people with his survival story. It captured our hearts and enabled us to do the same to many others around the world.

What we do here at Imerman Angels is uniquely match cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers to anyone seeking cancer support. We like to call them “Mentor Angels” who are walking, talking, living proof, and inspiration that cancer can be beaten—just like Jonny Imerman himself.

Jim Higley

Jim Higley, also known as: Bobblehead Dad, is a writer, speaker, life observer, and cancer warrior. Jim is well respected here at Imerman Angels and one of our greatest supporters!

Please take the time to read his article on Manofthehouse.com. It’s a story of how Imerman Angels began and an awareness of Testicular cancer, which according to his article impacts 8, 500 men every year ages 15-35 in our country.

Be Aware and Help kick cancer to the curb!!

“I’ve walked in your shoes. I’ve been there. I beat it. And you can too.”