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/
Hugs Against Cancer
On Wednesday, February 23rd Imerman Angels set a new record of 446 Hugs Against Cancer in response to a friendly competition with LIVESTRONG.
Our awesome crew dressed up in Imerman gear with our teddy bear hugger (also in IA gear) and hit the streets on Michigan Ave from 12pm-1:30pm. Everyone was energetic and excited for our street team event.
From the moment we arrived the hugs were constant, with some creative hugging in between. Most people who hugged our bear said, “You just made my day!” or “Thank you…I needed that!” We love hearing things like this here at Imerman Angels! Moreover, after getting a hug we had someone who came back with some Starbucks hot chocolate for the entire crew. He said he wanted to thank us for doing something so simple yet something that could make a difference in the cancer world through awareness.
While we participated in this event to break a record, we wanted to make a difference. Granted standing on Michigan Ave giving out hugs to strangers isn’t much but in return we created an awareness about our organization and met some cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers along the way!
Thank you so much to everyone who came out.
Watch the video below:
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.”
“Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Top 5 Tips for Building the Life You Want” from the Positivity Blog shares some words of wisdom from everyone’s favorite action hero.
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”
“The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion. That’s what most people lack, having the guts to go on and just say they’ll go through the pain no matter what happens.”
Read the rest!
