Saying thanks to our "unsung heroes"

10/17/13 San Diego, CA USA.  The people who support a person undergoing treatment for a tumor/cancer deserve recognition. They helplessly stand by and watch their loved ones get weaker in front of their eyes. What many people don't realize is that when someone gets diagnosed with a tumor/cancer, A LOT of people are affected!  Of course the patient is affected the most, but the people who are on "stand-by" as a loved one get weaker need to be recognized.  It is frustrating to watch a loved one's struggle against these diseases.  There are no words to express the gratitude for people who were at our side through the rough times.  The support received from these special people, can easily be taken for granted.   They deserve recognition.  We decided that there needs to be an event organized by survivors to honor the people that were there for us.  We wanted to honor our friends, family, and fellow survivors with unique toasts!  The focus of the event is not on the survivors, but on the people that helped us through a very difficult time!  Check out the videos from the 2013 event:

The 2013 Tumors Suck Part 5:  Celebration of Life video

Tumors Suck NewsFlash videos @ 2013 Celebration of Life for International Tumors Suck Day

These diseases transform everyone.  We can decide how we are transformed.  There are 3 options:

1. dive – psychologically succumb to the disease
2. survive – weather the storm of an intimidating diagnosis
3. thrive – become proactive in the fight against these diseases 

Patients cannot learn to "thrive" alone.  Support is needed from family, friends, and fellow survivors.  On 10/17/13, we wanted to recognize these people for helping us through a very difficult time!

Please help us continue to grow!  We are now planning more international speaking engagements!  We could really use your support.  You can be a part of a new strategy to fight ALL tumors/cancer... ATTITUDE... this ain't no pity party.

We'll send you some TUMORS SUCK stickers and put you in the next video with your online donation!

September is a very busy awareness month

Kick mAss Thriver: Damian del Rio

In 1987, at age 15, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Five weeks of radiation therapy moved me into remission for 13 years. In 2001 my system relapsed for the 1st time. It was a huge surprise but after my treatment success in 1987 I was confident my system would quickly move into remission again. However, in 2003 I received bad news from my doctor when he called with news of the 2nd relapse. Given the seriousness of the situation I was treated with a toxic chemotherapy regimen and underwent a stem cell transplant. Although the process went smoothly my oncologist warned there was only about a 50% chance the treatment would work. I was frustrated with the prognosis but understood I needed to make some major decisions on how to spend my time given the uncertainty of my future. I left work in 2006 after the 3rd relapse and my oncologist was not optimistic about my prognosis. They searched for recent advancements in treatment, involved me in experimental trials and gave me more chemotherapy in 2008 to help with keeping tumors from growing too big during my 4th relapse.

As you might expect I was worried about my health but I was also exhausted from the process. I was in a violent battle with cancer but also dealing with divorce, relocation, the anxiety of falling behind in my career, adjusting to disability benefits and unfortunately having to sell my home. It was overwhelming. I wanted to keep busy but struggled with what to do as doctors were telling me my system was not responding to the treatment. Walking in circles, I’d ask myself where had I come from and how did I arrive here. Doctors told me to expect more treatment and not to return to work. I was stuck in neutral without responsibilities, commitments, goals or even a simple purpose. Stuck with nothing to do but wait caused confusion and aggravation I had never been exposed to.

In 2011 I reached out to the San Diego chapter of Stupid Cancer. It took me 10 years to ask for help but once I did I was quickly connected to a network of resources starting with the mAss Kickers Foundation. From there I met amazing people who were going through a similar experience and had so much to share. I learned of many organizations that were established to help people and their families being challenged by cancer. These groups include the LiveStrong Foundation, The Patient’s Advocacy Group, Imerman Angels and others. Within days I was connected to people who helped me emotionally, spiritually and practically. I found a healthcare counselor that assisted me in addressing medical billing and explained Medicare options. Imerman Angeles connected me with a peer mentor who had a similar story and some valuable advice.

I regret not having reached out for help earlier and now want to support Eric in his mission to help patient’s and their families fight stigma associated with cancer and change perceptions. mAss Kickers Foundation has done most of it’s work in the US but is branching out to places that don’t have a local chapter of Stupid Cancer. Susan G. Komen, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society and so many other groups don’t have a strong presence outside the United States. For many cultures the stigma associated with cancer hinders communities in establishing support groups and unfortunately the resources they provide. mAss Kickers Foundation wants to help in changing peoples attitudes. Eric and I want everyone to know that cancer is not always death sentence. 

Please Support my mAss Kickers page as we take post-treatment tumor/cancer "thrivership" GLOBAL!.

The Adventures of Watson and Crick

"Let's Kick it!" 2012 Charity Kickball Tournament recap

 San Diego, CA - Liberty Station. May 19, 2012 mAss Kickers Foundation hosted the inaugural mAss Kickers Foundation Charity Kickball Tournament. The event was created by four friends in the San Diego area that wanted to create a unique and fun event to support the efforts of mAss Kickers Foundation. The event was organized by Lyman Ng, Brent Glova, Joyce Tam, and Eric Galvez. With little event planning experience, the team was eager to attempt to create the event last year. But due to busy personal schedules, the event was difficult to get off the ground. The addition of Joyce Tam finally got the ball rolling and brought much needed event planning experience and structure to the table. We wanted to create a fun event to support newly diagnosed patients and our loved one affected by that diagnosis. mAss Kickers Foundation prides itself on creating unique events! Every summer, we partner with Hell Survivors Paintball Field in Pinckney MI to host our Annual TUMORS SUCK! Paintball Benefit. Eight San Diego based teams participated in the inaugural kickball event. Teams were encouraged to come up with their own unique team names. These are the teams/team colors:

• Sexual Chocolate - Burnt Orange
• Ball Busters - Red
• KickaDoodleDoo -Kelly Green
• The Jenemies -- Carolina Blue
• All-Stars - Lime Green
• SoCal Riot - Own Jerseys (Daisy Yellow)
• Self Esteem Busters - Grey
• Menace II Sobriety - Pink
• Event Staff - Orange/Gold

The morning of Round Robin group play determined the seeding in the afternoon competition. It was also a time for players to reacquaint themselves with their favorite elementary school reccess past-time. The Urban Eats food truck stopped by at lunch to provide delicious community oriented gourmet food for the event! The intensity of the afternoon games was heightened after the announcement of Individual Championship P.I.M.P. (Pugilistic Individuals Masskicking with Pride) Cups. The teams playing for the Championship and the Consolation Titles were: The Ball Busters-SoCal Riot and All-Stars-Sexual Chocolate. Congratulations are in order for the winners of the 2012 mAss Kickers Championship P.I.M.P. Cups, the SoCal Riot. Sexual Chocolate won the Consolation bracket! Everyone had a great time and we look forward to hosting this FUN event next year with a little more experience under our belt!

Special thanks goes to Cynthia Comacho of the Cabrillo Rec Center, Urban Eats, CreateMyTee, Joey Evans, Aaron Lebsack, Amanda James, Gabby Penn Farmer, Marie Pancotti, Lorraine Painko, Athena Feinauer, Mark Feinauer, and Jaime Schnable.

That Damn Freckle... PART II

August 1st I proudly celebrated my 3-year "cancer-versary"... 3 years since melanoma entered my life, 3 years since my surgery & 3 years of being cancer-free! I've been waiting for the right time to tell you PART II of my story... well, it's time.

Cancer changes you... PERIOD.

Post-surgery: My body was clear of any cancer, so I was "ok"... right? I could just go back to my life like nothing happened... right? Everyone congratulated me & simply moved on with their lives. Meanwhile I was stuck in a dark, lonely, unfamiliar place. At age 30, I was already a statistic... I had had cancer. Where did that put me in the scheme of the world? Was I supposed to feel normal now? And, what the hell is normal after cancer anyway?

Was I a victim or just unlucky? I didn't have to go through chemo or radiation because it was stage 1 cancer, so I didn't feel "worthy" of people's pity. But, I had still received a cancer diagnosis & I still had to live with the fact that there was a 1 in 20 chance that damn freckle could pop up again in the same place, or worse, internally... so I did feel i was entitled to a sense of "why me?"

Would I live in the dark the rest of my life? I lived in sunny San Diego & suddenly I couldn't just enjoy the sun like everyone else. I was pissed off & paranoid. Why can't I layout at the beach? How much sun is too much? Will I be pale forever? As vain as it sounds, I didn't realize how much those beloved tan lines were a part of my everyday life & my self esteem until that option was taken away from me.

Over the last 3 years, however, I've been coming to terms with all this & I have found ways to shed a positive light on my cancer experience. I've discovered & immersed myself in amazing organizations like American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Stupid Cancer & mAsskickers Foundation (the brains behind this blog). I've had the honor of meeting the most kickass group of young Survivors & cancer advocates & I have gained so much perspective & inspiration from their friendships... you guys know who you are!!

I've allowed myself to heal not only physically, but emotionally as well. I realized that what I went through was worthy of all the anger, fear & sadness that followed. I no longer feel the need to downplay the fact that I had stage 1 cancer & I've found strength in knowing that I beat it! I feel united with anyone who's ever heard the words "you have cancer" & I have made it my personal mission to stand by them, support them & honor them in every way I possibly can. And, most importantly, I have embraced the fact that thanks to that damn freckle I AM A SURVIVOR & I am damn proud of it!!

Cancer changed me... PERIOD.

______________________________________

"That Damn Freckle... PART I" - July 13, 2011

It's hard for me to simplify the last 3 years of my life... so, if you're reading this I sincerely appreciate your willingness to hear PART I of my story. It was the Summer of 2008 & I had been happily living & working in San Diego for almost 2 years. Life was good... That June, my mom noticed something on my left calf when my parents were visiting me in San Diego for the US Open. From across the room she saw that damn freckle & asked me how long it had been there... I told her I'd seen it when I was shaving my legs but hadn't really thought anything of it. I mean, I knew the danger signs & it didn't match up to any of them... it wasn't asymmetrical, raised, large in diameter, bleeding, etc, etc. In fact, the only thing that made that damn freckle different from the hundreds of other freckles on my body was that it was black... all my other freckles were various shades of brown. But, for some reason that damn freckle gave my mom a bad feeling -- & my mom doesn't freak out about anything -- so I promised her I'd get it looked at as soon as I could. So, on Friday, July 11, after a carefree, sun-filled vacation with my ex-boyfriend, I went to see my primary care physician for the first time. Lucky for me he was not only very cool but also very thorough... AND, I had great health insurance. I showed him that damn freckle & nervously laughed as I told him the story of my mom's worrysome discovery. Based on the lack of danger signs, he too thought it was nothing of concern. But -- & I'm thankful everyday for this but -- he said, "If it'll make your mom feel better, I can biopsy it." So, he shaved that damn freckle right off, put a band-aid on my leg & sent me on my way. I had a happy hour to go to after all... & that band-aid wasn't going to stop me! A week & a half went by & still no word from the doctor... they always say "no news is good news" but something just didn't seem right. Finally, on Wednesday, 7/23, I got a call from the nurse on my way home from work... "The doctor would like you to come in ASAP so he can review your biopsy results with you." I knew that was a bad sign. I started to panic & begged her to tell me what was going on. Why did they need me to come in? Should I be worried? Why couldn't she just tell me everything was ok? After insisting she couldn't tell me over the phone, she put me on hold. I guess she got the doc's permission to tell me because when she came back on the line she said the 3 words that would haunt me til this day... "IT'S A MELANOMA." The next week was a total blur... breaking the news to my family, lots of crying, scheduling my first oncologist appointment, shame, emotional phone calls with family & friends, internet research, anger, a likely stage I diagnosis, sleepless nights, denial & complete & utter confusion. How can I have cancer? What does this all mean? How bad is it? Does stage I mean I shouldn't be worried? Aren't I too young for this? Is it my fault? What's the oncologist going to say? Does cancer automatically mean chemo? Will I be allowed to be in the sun again? What if it spreads? Am I going to die? My imagination filled my mind & heart with fear that took me on an emotional rollercoaster I couldn't have prepared myself for no matter how hard I tried. Friday, August 1 was my surgery... the oncologist cut a chunk out of my leg, both around & under where that damn freckle had once been, just to make sure the surrounding tissue was clear. Fortunately there was no pain... I would just be left with a dent in my leg & a lovely scar. After a very long week of waiting for results, we were given good news: CLEAR MARGINS. It was confirmed as stage I melanoma, the cancer cells hadn't spread internally & my lymph nodes were all healthy. I was physically "cancer free"... Little did I know that emotionally the cancer would stick with me for the next 3 years...Stay tuned for PART II...

How has cancer positively or negatively affected your relationships?

I’m glad February is the shortest month of the year.  February is associated with my least favorite Hallmark Holiday, Valentine’s Day.  Before my brain tumor diagnosis, I was a pretty active guy.  You would rarely catch me at home, however, I was more into “hanging out” with girls rather than “dating.”  I never liked labels.  I had just gotten out of a 7-year relationship when I moved to San Diego, and I was in a new and exciting city as a young professional fresh out of physical therapy school. I’ll admit I was having a lot of fun!  When I got diagnosed, all my close friends and family were back home in Michigan.  I made plenty of friends when I moved out to San Diego, but the friends that stood by me during my recovery were something else.  They became my San Diego family.  For that, I’ll forever be grateful!  I decided to stay in San Diego because most of my friends in Ann Arbor, MI were gone.  I would have had to move back home with my parents if I didn't have insurance, but I decided that I should stay in San Diego to take advantage of all the rehab opportunities here in San Diego.  My parents decided to split time to be with me in San Diego and Michigan, which ultimately lead to their divorce.  The tension in their relationship had been building for years. Their decision to get a divorce was shocking but not surprising.  I’m still very close with both parents, and I don’t hold ill will towards either of them.  I’m glad they finally did it for both their sakes. For my brother and me, the divorce was much easier to handle as adults rather than kids.  I sincerely hope they are both happier now!

As for my current relationship status, I have no time to date.  My priorities are:

•   My personal rehab
•   mAss Kickers Foundation
•   Traveling
•   My hobbies: sports, reading/writing, movies/videos
•    My family’s/friend’s well being
•  My Spirituality 
•  Hanging out/relaxing

This doesn’t leave much room for an active dating life.  HAHAHA!  Couple the above priorities with post treatment fatigue issues = no dating scene for me!  Relationships are just another thing that I don’t want to waste my energy worrying about.  I don’t have the energy to deal with added drama in my life because my plate is already full!  I’m not sure other survivors/thrivers feel the same.  It will be interesting to read everyone’s thoughts.  I’m curious to get their take on relationships. 

2011-2012 Winter Fundraising Drive

THANKS FOR MAKING 2011 A GREAT YEAR FOR MASS KICKERS FOUNDATION! We are planning exciting, fun events for continuing our campaigns in 2012.  We are also planning two new unique events in 2012. See our awesome plans below, but WE NEED YOUR HELP!! Organizing these super fantastic things cost money and we need some to keep up the mAss Kicking momemtum going!  

We are hosting 4 major events in 2012:

Spring 2012 - "The mAss Kickers Charity KICKBALL Tournament" in San Diego. Have fun helping us Kick some mAss! Spaces are limited to 12 teams. Look for updates on the website soon!

Summer 2012  - in San Diego: "The RIC, Research Is Cool Seminar" for patients and loved ones! There are a lot of organizations that support tumor/cancer research. We want people to understand it AND use it! The seminar explains what research is, how to participate, and the benefits of participating in research studies. THIS WILL BE A UNIQUE TAKE ON RESEARCH! Website coming soon!

August 2012 - "TUMORS SUCK PAINTBALL BENEFIT", PINCKNEY, MI @ Hell Survivors Paintball Field http://www.tumorssuckpaintball.com

October 25 - in San Diego "International TUMORS SUCK DAY Celebration" Let the world know you think TUMORS SUCK! PLAN A GET TOGETHER WITH YOUR FRIENDS LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT TUMORS SUCK! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tumors-Suck/145877928814836?sk=wall

We have a very ambitious 2012 planned and we need your support to host these events! Please consider a tax-deductible donation to mAss Kickers Foundation. The funds raised from this drive will support our 2012 activities AND fund tumor/cancer related research.
PLEASE BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: http://www.mAssKickers.org HELP US KICK SOME MASS IN 2012!!! JOIN IN THE FUN!  MAKE A DONATION AND WE'LL HELP YOU CREATE YOUR OWN PAGE! PLEASE PASS THIS ON!!!

Top 10 Positive's of "That Damn Freckle"

It's amazing how a cancer diagnosis changes you... regardless of the outcome, it changes you. Now that I've shared the tough part of my cancer story, it's time to change my tune & focus on the good that's come from this crazy journey. Here are the top 10 positive's "That Damn Freckle" has brought to my life:

10) KNOWLEDGE... Cancer has opened my mind to learning. I have gained so much valuable knowledge since my diagnosis, not just about cancer but about coping, prevention, awareness, supporting, fundraising, research, networking, etc. I read more, I pay attention more to the news & current events & I confidently initiate conversations about cancer-related topics with friends & strangers. I have also become more aware of my own body which I hope & pray will allow me to maintain a cancer-free life. I believe I am smarter because of cancer!

9) APPRECIATION... I've always been grateful for my family, my friends, my abilities, my experiences, etc. But, since my melanoma, I have taken on a whole new appreciation, not just for all those wonderful things but for my life as a whole. The saying "take time to smell the roses" really comes to life for me now... I appreciate the little things so much more & I appreciate how they've made me who I am. When I can see the beauty in the everyday things such as a smile or song lyrics, it makes me appreciate the big things like my amazing family & friends that much more!

8) PATIENCE... Patience is a virtue, or so the theory goes. We live in a world of instant gratification with texting, facebook, etc & we have come to expect instant results. With cancer, there is no such thing. Waiting for oncology lab results, waiting for your next doctor's appointment, waiting for your friend's next cancer update... all of this waiting tests your nerves, your mood & your patience. I have learned that no matter how much I wish for these things to be resolved quickly, it's out of my hands & I still have to live my life in the meantime. This has forced me to enjoy the now & develop more patience in my everyday life, which is definitely a virtue!

7) COMPASSION... compassion (n): a feeling of deep sympathy & sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. When I got my diagnosis, the compassion I received from family, friends & total strangers was immense... it made me feel loved, protected & hopeful. That compassion has continued over the last 3 years, as I have been supported in my personal efforts to remain cancer-free, to fight cancer & raise money for Relay for Life & to spread awareness & support in the cancer community. That compassion has also increased my ability to be compassionate. I am surrounded by people I care about who are going through their own cancer battles & my heart is even more open & supportive than it's ever been. Compassion spreads like wildfire... it feels awesome to give & receive it!

6) THE ABILITY TO INSPIRE... Sure, I always hoped I would make an impact on the world at some point in my life, but I never realized that I could. Recently I received one of the most heartfelt emails from a family friend. She heard my melanoma story from my mom & told family & friends... as a result, her husband & many others became more aware of their skin, had it checked & were able to catch their skin cancer early. She said, "Because of you & your Mom I know that there have been many "ripples" of outreach... friends & family telling friends & family... lots of people have ended up getting checked, & lives have been saved. You are a true inspiration and I thank you for all that you do!!" That's one of many messages like that I've received... to make an impact on people from simply telling my story is very humbling & very rewarding!

5) INSPIRATION... Receiving a cancer diagnosis stopped me in my tracks... it made me feel scared, helpless, angry & weak. Even after I was pronounced "ok" by the doctor I still had trouble moving forward. Fortunately, through the last 3 years of cancer experience I have reached out, met new friends, joined support groups & been lucky enough to be around some of the most inspiring people... ever. I have watched friends go through much more difficult cancer experiences than mine & still come out on top. I have seen them shed light on even the most incredibly negative situations. Their positive attitudes, undying determination & utter strength have inspired me to discover those qualities within myself. Being around them & even just thinking about them throughout my day makes me work harder, smile more & even run farther... I'm up to 6 miles now! It's amazing what all that positive energy can do!

4) RELAY FOR LIFE... August '10 was my 2-year cancer-versary & I wanted to "do something" to help the cause. Relay for Life would be one of the most life-changing experiences I'd ever have. I bonded with friends & met new friends, celebrated my cancer victory & gained a sense of where I fit into the cancer world. I met the friends that would become my fellow Committee members this year... I had the opportunity to be the 2011 Relay Committee Survivor Co-Chair & it was such an honor working closely with our 100+ Survivors to help make their Relay experience special & unique. I am also incredibly proud to say I was a top 10 fundraiser, raising over $1,900 & I led my team "SPF SHRINK!" to a top 10 finish, raising over $8,000! And, to top that off, our Relay raised over $241,000, making us #1 in Southern California out of 91 Relays & #16 in California out of 427 Relays!

3) NEW FRIENDS... If it wasn't for this journey, I wouldn't have met some of the most kickass people that I am now proud to call dear friends... Survivors, cancer fighters, advocates, supporters & volunteers. What's even more amazing is that some of them I've only met in the virtual cancer world of Facebook, yet I still feel a closeness to them that's indescribable! Through their continuous drive, spirit & dedication, this strong, brave, honest, generous, loving, inspiring group of people has motivated me to be a stronger, more positive person. Through their friendship, companionship & support they have given me a new perspective on life, love, friendship & hope that has changed not only how I think about cancer but also how I manage my own survivorship & fight back against the disease. These amazing friends have touched my life more than words can say & they will forever be in my heart... you guys know who you are!

2) PASSION... I always thought I had passion, for family, friends, art, music, sports & life in general. Cancer forced me to look inside myself & redefine the meaning of passion in my life. I still have passion for these things, but the last 3 years have made me realize that cancer is also my passion... sharing my story, bonding with fellow Survivors, raising money for cancer research, increasing awareness for cancer & cancer prevention, being an active member of cancer support groups like Stupid Cancer & mAss Kickers Foundation, volunteering for cancer charities like Relay for Life & last but not least, becoming part of a worldwide cancer community that is millions strong & fighting this fight together. This passion & self discovery has fueled a fire inside me that I didn't even know was there... I feel more alive now than ever & I am so excited to continue this momentum & see where it takes me!

1) I AM A SURVIVOR... Relay '10 was the first time I was ever referred to as a "Survivor"... wearing that SURVIVOR shirt among so many other Survivors was a very powerful feeling. I had always downplayed my experience because it was stage 1 cancer & I never had to have chemo or radiation like many of my friends. But, being celebrated as a Survivor & congratulated by total strangers made me realize I have something in common with everyone who's ever had cancer, a bond so special that it will connect me with these people for the rest of my life... regardless of our diagnosis, age, health or life story, we have all heard the words "You have cancer" at some point in our lives & it changed our lives & the lives of those we love forever. Cheers to all the Survivors out there... those whose fight is over, those who are still fighting & those whose fight has yet to begin. We are all Survivors. We share the same fears, the same hopes & the same spirit... we ARE in this fight together!!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE SUPPORTED ME, INSPIRED ME, LISTENED TO ME, LAUGHED WITH ME, CRIED WITH ME & LOVED ME THROUGHOUT MY CANCER JOURNEY... Having you in my life helped make this Top 10 possible...... Mom, Dad, Steph, Scott, Maddie, Abby, Grandma, Jim, Aummie, Poppie, DeAnn, Steve, Jessica, Lauren, Julie, Cheryl, Dick, Angie, Kay, Mike, Patty, Erica, Liz, Grace, Melissa, Amy, Charissa, Ligaya, Jenn, Heather, Amanda, Kyle, Eric, Amanda, Kevin, Arilda, Kat, Michelle, Zac, Christine, Rachael, Amanda, Gary, Rachel, Becky, Patti, Rebecca, Kelsey, John, Catherine, Gayle, Kari, Chris, Jenise, Kara, Blake, Liz, Amy, Jered, Cheryl, Mo, Willow, Tari, Tracy, Jocelyn, Kat, Emily, Michelle, Sue, Cortney, Aly, Julia, Banda, Katy, Rick, Andrew, Chuck, Bonnie, Will, Kim, Jessica, Matty, Biggs, Jason, Mikey, Bran, Dave, Otis, Mark, Scott, Tony, Heather, Matthew, Kenny, Stacey, Stacy, Rachel, Amanda, Kate, Arun, Brad, Karina, Klarissa, David, Mary, Angie, Kirstie, Frankie, Clint, Kristen, Jamie, Lindsay, Marina, Emily, Kristy, Kim, Nick, Gary, Mark, Cass, Rob, Benjamin, John, Kristi, Kelsey, Josh, Christine, Megan, Jen, Rachel, Colleen, Jessica, Jackie, Jeffery, Pilar, Avelyn, Larry, Kimmy, Brandon, JB, Betty, Marnie, Anne, Kathy, Maureen, Sara, Stella, Dick, MaryAnn, Mike, Nancy, Ginny, Lisa, Cathy, Karen Lee, Carl, Lois, Jan, Billie, Sue, Tom, Mike, Kenny, Sharon & anyone else I may have missed!! XOXO

Please vote for mAss Kickers Foundation as "BEST NEW CHARITY"

Please vote for mAss Kickers Foundation as "BEST NEW CHARITY"

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The mAss Kickers organization was founded in 2010 as a result of a Facebook group started by Eric Galvez named “Tumors Suck.” Their main goal is to provide articles and information for newly diagnosed tumor patients while unifying them around the cause and raising funding for research through donations and events.

Eric Galvez graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint in 2003 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. 23 months later, he was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor. In the following months he had brain surgery, radiation therapy on his brain, and months of rehabilitation with his former co-workers. In 2007 he started an advocacy movement on Facebook called “TUMORS SUCK!” The group, as well as a website created with the same name, went viral and eventually led to the creation of the mAss Kickers charity. mAss Kickers provides support and motivation to all newly-diagnosed patients, family, and friends affected by tumors or cancer.

MKF serves this mission through its website, fundraising, and select events throughout the year. They define a mAss Kicker as “noun. 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. ” The organization takes an approach they call “pugilistic,” which refers to the art of fighting with fists, and reflects their mission of empowering patients and families by uniting them against a common enemy. In addition to the “Tumors Suck!” awareness campaign, they encourage other mAss Kickers to “Use the K.U.R.E,” or K – Use KNOWLEDGE, U – Promote UNITY, R – Support RESEARCH, E – EMPOWER YOURSELF.

Through their unique and innovative approach, mAss Kickers will continue to bring the fight to these horrible diseases.

mAss Kickers Foundation nominated for "2011 Best New Charity" in Classy Awards

HEY YOU GUYS! Please cast your vote for mAss Kickers Foundation as "BEST NEW CHARITY" in the Classy awards!

STAY CLASSY MY FRIENDS.

2011 TUMORS SUCK PAINTBALL BENEFIT

A TEASER FOR THE 2011 TUMORS SUCK PAINTBALL BENEFIT VIDEO BY Forever Cherished Productions.

Top 10 Blessings Since Being Diagnosed With A Brain Tumor

Well, I started out down a dirty road

Started out all alone

And the sun went down as I crossed the hill

And the town lit up, the world got still

Tom Petty, Learning to Fly, Into the Great Wide Open 1991

1. Discovering the mAss Kickers Foundation and all of the incredible advocates, patients, survivors, and other organizations that are tied in with the MKF

2. Meeting the most dedicated doctor that I know, my neurologist, who will answer any call, text, or email no matter what time of the day or night I need her

3. Meeting the loving, energetic men and women that make up the Great Lakes Rangers and F.U.B.A.R. paintball teams

4. Gaining a greater understanding of the medical world around me which includes technology, doctors, treatment options, facilities, and diagnoses

5. Realizing how precious life is and how lucky I am to be alive

6. Providing me with experiences that taught me to be more patient with others

7. Teaching me to take charge of my life and make decisions that best suit my needs

8. Forcing me to listen to my body even if I'd like to pretend that I'm 100% healthy at all times

9. Allowing me to realize that no matter how bad a situation might seem, there is always someone worse off
10. Realizing that life is more than sports and school; it’s about relationships and the impact that you make on the world around you