Inaugural FD First Wave Camp 2011

This past week was amazing!  I had the privilege of participating in the inaugural First Descents Surf camp (First Wave) in Santa Barbara last week.  2 years ago, I participated in my first White Water Kayaking Camp in Glacier National Park, Montana.  I was hesitant to participate in another First Descents camp because I was afraid of tarnishing the memories of my first FD experience.  I was completely wrong.  New memories and adventures were created with a new group of friends in a new exciting adventure.

Before my surgery in 2005, I was just starting to get into a new hobby, surfing, in a new city with new friends.  I'd wake up early to go surfing before work, and found myself so relaxed the whole day.  A few months after I established my routine, I was diagnosed with a golf-ball sized brain tumor between the brain stem and cerebellum.  The new hobby that I was just learning to love was suddenly taken away!  Within a month I had:

1. an eight hour brain surgery,
2. an eight day visit to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit with 5 days in a medically induced coma,
3. a six week stay in the rehab unit at the hospital I used to work,
4. brain radiation treatments five days a week for eight weeks, and
5. physical, occupational, and speech therapy with my former coworkers.

Since then, my life has taken a completely new direction from the plan I had since graduating from Physical Therapy school eight  years ago.   I'm very grateful for the new direction my life is taking me, but I sometimes wonder how things might have turned out if didn't need to take this new direction.  I have surprised many people (myself included) with some of the things I have been able to accomplish.  Publishing articles/books, going on national book tours, public speaking at universities/colleges/hospitals, and starting a nonprofit organization were never in my wildest imagination.  The brain tumor hit me pretty hard, but it didn't knock me out!  (It's my turn to counter punch through MKF!)   I hate to admit it, but the brain tumor was the spark that ignited a new fire in me.  I've also learned to appreciate all the little things in life!

I still miss the old activities I use to do.  The tumor took away so much.  Surfing is one of the few things that connects me to the "old" me.  I have met so many amazing people on this journey, but the people who inspire me the most are the survivors I have met on all my travels!  Every person I've met that has attended a First Descent camp (campers, staff, and volunteers) has a unique energy about them.  It's an attitude that is hard to describe, but easy to recognize.  I have met so many amazing survivors in these camps!  I have heard so many incredible stories of triumph that it is humbling being there to witness a fellow survivor's own personal triumphs.  To see it on their faces is an incredible feeling.  I unfortunately could not paddle out to the lineup myself, but the experience of being out there has given me something to shoot for.  Just knowing the journeys my fellow campers had to endure and watching them catch their first waves was so inspiring to me.  Watching someone do something they didn't think they could do is incredible.  Seeing the smiles on their faces coming out of the water with a look of confidence reminded me of my own experiences catching my first wave.  The feeling of riding a wave is nothing short of incredible.  The speed, the freedom, the fact that you are being propelled by pure energy that no human created is pretty cool when you think about it.  It made me smirk seeing the "awe yeah, I did that" look on everyone's face as they confidently walked back to our spot on the beach. I'm still improving physically, but it's taking much longer than I expected.  I look forward to the day that to will be able to paddle out to the lineup and catch my first wave on my own.  Give me some time to figure out how to do it... I can't wait to join my new friends on a wave.  ;P

originally published on www.ericgalvezdpt.com on 9/20/11

MD Anderson, Together in Hope Brain Tumor Conference 2011

I had the privilege of attending my first brain tumor specific conference at MD Anderson last weekend and it left quite an impression on me. It was co-sponsored by MD Anderson Cancer Center and the National Brain Tumor Society. Personally, I like it when two monster organizations collaborate on events and show unity against a common foe! It seems like I always find a handful of young adult survivors at these conferences! We tend to gravitate towards each other because we totally stick out. It may be due to the fact that we're the ones that tend to be the loudest and have the most "spunk" at these conferences. Whenever I go to these things, I feel like I'm crashing a "grown-up" party. I'm always happy to come across a fellow young adult survivor because we are familiar with what the other has been through and are eager to "celebrate" life. It makes me want to celebrate because you go from feeling alone to having someone there who understands. Young adult survivors are too young to get grouped in with the older cancer patients our grandparents age and too old to be grouped with the pediatric population. In the young adult population, many of us are still trying to find our life path or are just starting our families. A tumor or cancer diagnosis can seriously derail our plans or limit our potential.

This weekend made me realize that we can fight back. Emotional support for survivors is growing. Survivors are getting stronger through the numerous programs out there, but I think it is time to mount a counter attack directly on these diseases. Unity for survivorship is very prominent, I think that concrete strategies are just now developing to fight these diseases. Then it reinforced a weapon that we can use to fight back against these diseases... RESEARCH. I don't think people really understand it, but this is the best way. People walk charity walks and hold fundraisers, but what exactly are you supporting? Stand Up to Cancer and the Brain Science Foundation are taking the lead in this charge. I personally think a "cure" is still a long ways away, but I think we have the resources to more effectively manage the symptoms to live with these diseases. As a physical therapist, I know that we can't always heal a chronic orthopedic issue, but we can offer strategies to help manage them.

I think that we will have an easier time controlling the diseases through:

1. early diagnosis,
2. lifestyle modification (diet, exercise),
3. medication, or
4. surgery

I think this is a more efficient approach to the war on cancer rather than finding an absolute "cure" for tumors or cancer. In a way, I think we can make these diseases our "beeeee-ooootch" by more efficiently managing the symptoms! HAHAHA!

Anyways at the conference at MD Anderson, I was able to connect with so many amazing people: survivors with incredible stories, doctors/health care professions who devote their lives to helping brain tumor patients, and philanthropists who work tirelessly to fight these horrible diseases. The most memorable thing that I will take home from the conference was meeting so many people similar to me face to face! I've been to cancer conferences and meningioma meetings, but the informal interaction with the participants at this conference made going all the way to Houston worth the energy. Although I am physically tired, I'm emotionally recharged! TUMORS SUCK! Wait till you see what mAss Kickers Foundation is up to...

*originally published on May 24, 2011 @ 8:06 www.ericgalvezdpt.com

OMG! 2011

Last week I got to spend some time in New York City. On Thursday, I had the privilege of speaking at Columbia University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program’s PsychoSocial dynamics of Disability Class. I have spoken at many physical therapy programs, but this time would be different. This time, I brought two other young adult survivors with me. We are all young Filipino Americans “re-entering” the world as young survivors each at different stages of our survivorship. Normally, I speak to classes by myself about my story, but it was nice to step out of the spotlight. Jenn and Ligaya did a great job answering questions and telling their stories. We had very unique discussions because we are all at different stages of our recovery. We felt very comfortable answering ALL questions and challenged the students to ask us ANYTHING. That statement lead to some very "interesting" discussions. I was the senior member of the presentation at 5 years out. I think having male and female perspectives on survivorhip were interesting to students and hopefully made them realize young people can and do get diagnosed with cancer and tumors.

Our friend Zac met up with us later that night and we all crashed in a tiny New York hotel room for the I’m Too Young For This, OMG Summit for Young Adult Survivors. I was sooooo excited to meet other young adult survivors because we are very difficult to find! It was great meeting many of my Facebook friends for the first time in person at the summit! It was even more fun to reconnect with friends I've met on this crazy brain tumor ride! Young Adult Survivors have a hard time finding peers who understand our unique issues such as fertility preservation, employment/education issues, and relationships. I feel very fortunate to have a strong support system of family and friends, but to meet new friends close in age that can empathize with our unique situation was very empowering. It was actually nice to be a participant and not a presenter at this event. I can honestly say I've never been to an event like it! I'm close to the twilight of my young adulthood, but I feel confident that the young adult survivor will know where to turn for support! Participants at the OMG! Summit definitely got the tools they need to "THRIVE" after an intimidating tumor/cancer diagnosis.

*originally published on Apr 20, 2011 @ 16:29 www.ericgalvezdpt.com

A Physical Therapy approach to Survivorship

Uh oh, the "Physical Therapy Bug" just bite me again. Last week I went to New Orleans for the APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). It was VERY different from the last time I was in New Orleans as a student on spring break... I'll keep those stories private... hee hee hee. CSM is a national physical therapy conference that brings together all the specialty sections of physical therapy practice (like orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, oncology, etc). As a student and young professional I was a member of the Student Conclave and Sports Physical Therapy Section. I'm now a member of the oncology section for obvious reasons. Anyways, I got to attend 4 great sessions in which I have strong personal interest:

• An Evidence-Based Approach to the Identification and Screening of Balance for Patients with Cancer
• An Evidence-Based Approach to the Examination and Intervention of Balance Disorders for Patients with Cancer
• Exercise and the Athlete with Cancer
• Oncology Exercise Issues in Outpatient Physical Therapy: Beyond ROM and Fitness Prescription

There was no mention of brain tumors in any of the sessions I attended. In my situation, physical therapy/rehabilitation play a large role in my personal recovery. Now granted, I think I have a unique perspective on brain tumor survivorship, I think it is sad that I was left to fend for myself to reach my full rehabilitation potential. I was very lucky to have a strong medical team offering me sound advice! My rehabilitation potential would have been cut off from insurance a long time ago, but luckily I found the Challenge Center to continue therapy. Nobody knows how much I will recover. Since no one has answers, I will continue to push my limits. The Oncology Section of the APTA seems to be the best place for me to find answers. Unfortunately, there is nothing laid out there for young brain tumor survivors to improve function and quality of life. More digging is needed! The APTA Oncology Section is for healthcare professionals. I wanna do something that gives resources directly with patients. Enter mAss Kickers Foundation. I think that mAss Kickers Foundation can supply an arsenal of information and Knowledge for the newly diagnosed patients and their loved ones to battle a tumor mass or cancer diagnosis. Unity among all those touched by both malignant and benign tumors will only strengthen the opposition against these horrible diseases. Ultimately it will be scientific Research that will be our greatest "weapon" to fight a tumor mass or cancer diagnosis on much larger scale. Eventually, knowledge, unity, and research will lead to Empowerment for everyone touched by these horrible diseases. Confidence and Courage are some of the first things lost with an intimidating tumor or cancer diagnosis. By Using the K.U.R.E. we develop a strategy to manage these diseases until the "magic cure" is found! In Physical Therapy, we can't always cure a pathological or structural dysfunction/pain but we can offer strategies to manage the symptoms. I think that same approach can be applied to survivorship.

*originally published on Feb 13, 2011 @ 17:09 www.ericgalvezdpt.com

"I'm a mAss Kicker! Pass it on!"

Check out ALL the mAss Kickers Videos here!

2010 was a banner year for mAss Kickers Foundation (MKF). Past success leads to higher expectations in the future. Higher expectations in 2011 brings with it bigger goals. mAss Kickers will continue presenting unique articles/interviews/resources for newly diagnosed patients on our website.

We do have some cool new events and activities planned in 2011. You'll have to stay tuned on www.mAssKickers.org to keep up with us! In addition to providing resources and articles for newly diagnosed patients and their loved ones on our website, we are planning at least 3 major events in 2011:

• in Summer 2011, the 3rd Annual TUMORS SUCK! Paintball Benefit in Michigan
• in Fall 2011, TUMORS SUCK! DAY Event in sunny San Diego CA
• in SPRING 2011, an exciting new mAss Kickers Foundation event in sunny San Diego (details to come... stay tuned!)

Our goal is to raise at least $5000 for MKF in order to host at least the three major events listed above, fund smaller MKF projects (conference registration, website maintenence, office supplies, operational costs, etc) and to donate funds to our selected 2010 tumor/cancer research beneficiary before December 31, 2010. We have very ambitious plans in 2011.

If you are a mAss Kicker, please consider a tax-deductible donation and pass it on! Please forward this webpage to your contacts so that we can fight back against ALL tumor masses! Be a part of the begining of "Something Special"! If you feel more comfortable, mail a check addressed to "mAss Kickers Foundation" to:

mAss Kickers Foundation

2010 Inaugural Fundraising Drive

1950 Camino De La Reina #312

San Diego, CA 92108

The funds raised from this campaign will go to: the 2011 general operations of MKF - printing brochures, distributing stickers, participating in conferences across the US, creating unique mAss Kickers events, and supporting our 2010 research beneficiary. In 2011, we will focus more on using the "K.U.R.E." as a strategy for ALL individuals touched by a tumor mass. When someone gets diagnosed with cancer or a tumor, Knowledge, Unity, and Research lead to Empowerment for everyone affected by these horrible diagnoses!

What are mAss Kickers Foundation's Ultimate goals?

• Provide unique articles and interviews useful to the newly diagnosed patient and their loved ones on our website.
• Promote Unity among ALL cancer/tumor types and between patients and their loved ones through a common "pugilistic" attitude.
• Support research through articles, events, and donations.
• Empower the newly diagnosed patient and their loved ones with a strategy to become proactive in their care so they feel less helpless after getting intimidating news.

To see what we have accomplished in 2010: click here!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

USE THE K.U.R.E. because TUMORS SUCK!

- the mAss Kickers Foundation team

follow us on facebook

*originally published on Dec 22, 2010 @ 15:51 www.ericgalvezdpt.com

2010 LiveSTRONG Young Adult Alliance Conference

I can finally catch my breath. Got back last night from an epic trip to Austin, Texas and then Chicago, Illinois. I'm now taking a break... but not for too long... already thinking about mAss Kickers Foundation (MKF) stuff for next year! Things with MKF are starting to get very serious and I'm starting to gain credibility in the Physical Therapy community. I got to represent mAss Kickers Foundation at the LiveStrong Young Adult Alliance meeting in Austin a couple weeks ago. Then I had the opportunity to speak at Rehab Grand Rounds at Rush Hospital in Chicago. My buddy Blayde Carrol, a fellow brain tumor survivor, helped me out in Austin. I was telling him mAss Kickers Foundation is still on the "JV team". Soon we will be ready to "move up to varsity". I'm still laying the ground work for MKF to make a big splash in the survivorship community. I'm working on a way to combine: survivorship, research, advocacy, and physical therapy/rehab. I've got a a pretty good idea... just have to work on the details. I've made some great contacts there. Organizations like i2y, First Descents, Imerman Angels, MyLifeLine, Chasing Rainbows Productions, The Ability Center, Ulman Cancer Fund, Rise Above It, Tamika and Friends, Movember, and SeventyK are already doing some great things. I consider them to be "varsity" organizations. mAss Kickers Foundation (MKF) is almost ready to make the jump from "junior varsity" to "varsity". Things are getting much more serious now. I'll admit I was screwing around before. I will be much more serious now. We will be addressing a need in unifying ALL types of tumors because everyone with cancer has a tumor, but not everyone with a tumor has cancer. Since my tumor was "benign", I didn't officially have cancer. I related more to the young adult cancer survivors than I did to the typically older brain tumor demographic. When I was diagnosed I didn't know any young adult brain tumor survivors. I have always been a little different from everyone, so it didn't bother me that much. (OK, maybe all the initial "babying" kinda bothered me.) Anyways, I am so glad to have finally found a group of survivors who are similar to me. We still stick out, but at least we will stick out together. This is the perfect opportunity to cause a "ruckus"! That is what the "TUMORS SUCK!" campaign is meant to do... Anyways, MKF made some great new connections in Austin. I kinda wish I had more time to mingle with some of the other organizations there! They unveiled a new awareness campaign called "BREAK CANCER". It is essentially a way to break silly world records. Hee hee, I know some pretty creative people so it will be fun recording some of the stuff we do... Anyways, it was great seeing familiar faces in Austin. I had the scooter with me so I tried my best to stay out of trouble. I tried to behave myself, but I think I did run some people over... :D I can't be good all the time! Anyways, it was a great time in Austin! I look forward to next year! From Austin, I flew directly to Chicago for Rehab Grand Rounds at Rush Hospital. I forgot how much I love the Windy City! To be continued...

*originally published on Nov 15, 2010 @ 17:25 www.ericgalvezdpt.com

Houston - MD Anderson Conference Fall 2010

It has been a hectic two weeks! I'm still trying to catch up. Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to Houston, TX to attend the MD Anderson Survivor Conference. The weekend marked many firsts for me. It was the first time speaking at a cancer survivor (not brain tumor conference), first time sleeping in a nice hotel room by myself, and my first time hanging out on my own away from home with my mobility scooter (which I dubbed the "mAss Kicker Mobile".) The first night I met up with some other young adult survivors at the hotel bar! Was great just hanging out in an atmosphere that wasn't sterile like an organized group setting. mAss Kickers Foundation had an information table at the conference which we shared with the Young Survival Coalition. It actually affirmed for me how young adult survivors really stick out in the survivor population. There is an immediate bond when you find out a person is also a young adult survivor. There were a few young adult volunteers that created our "science project" display, passed out brochures/Tumors Suck stickers, and spoke with people about what we do. Our booth was constantly surrounded by laughter. We were always cracking up about something... not something you usually see in the survivor world. Anyways, we all stuck out and it was great! I think everyone got to take a spin on the "mAss Kicker Mobile"! Always good for a laugh...The workshop I was involved in went well. Dr. Anna Franklin and Rhonda Armstrong Trevino were on on the panel with me to talk about Adolescents, Young Adults and Parents: Becoming the Best Health Care Advocate. It is funny, public speaking is getting easier now that I have something to say. I still don't like being in the spot light. I'm like Statler and Waldorf. Anyways, The conference ended with a very cool drumming session... On a side note, I think drumming could be used in my personal OT rehab. After the conference ended, a buddy of mine from college picked me up and we planned to go out to grab a bite to eat and then grab a drink. The mind was willing, but we ended up ordering pizza at his place and watching football while I struggled to keep my eyes open! 10 years ago, we prob would have gone out to eat and then went out... things have really changed... hahaha. I hope to come back to Houston and participate in another MD Anderson event! After Houston, I went back to MI for the wedding of one of my best friends. It was a great time! to be continued...

*originally published on Oct 7, 2010 @ 13:08 www.ericgalvezdpt.com

Re-cap: Second Annual Tumors Suck Paintball Benefit

8/14/10 Pinckney, MI - Hell Survivors Paintball Field. Despite a humid midwestern summer day, >150 people came out to support the 2nd Annual Tumors Suck Paintball Benefit. The inagural event, the first of it's kind last year, was cursed by severe thunderstorms but it was energized by the enthusiasm and dedication of Team FUBAR. This year there were no thunderstorms, and the expectations were raised with a year of experience in planning the event. The 2010 event was highlighted by a few new wrinkles, a logo was created specifically for the event by Enuf Marketing and Design, a bounce house for kids was introduced, and many new faces participated in the event. A lot of newbie paintballers got their first taste of paintball play and Team FUBAR once again put on their "mentoring mask" for all the new players. This year there were more female players, and the enthusiasm for the event increased by at least 10 fold! The event t-shirt featured the slogan "this ain't no pity party" that expressed the sentiment underlying the purpose of playing paintball as a benefit for cancer and brain tumor advocacy. There are many similarities between paintball and a new tumor diagnosis. One needs to be cautious, yet stay on the "offensive". Much like a medical situation, it is also important that all teammates (medical team +family) are working in a coordinated effort towards accomplishing the mission (beating the tumor mass.) In a new intimidating situation, one can choose to:

• survive - weather an "attack",
• dive - give up hope,
• or thrive - continue to do what you need to do and fight back

The paintball benefit is an event where both survivors and non-survivors can thrive by uniting to show support combating all tumors. mAss Kickers Foundation (MKF) looks to provide support and motivation to all newly-diagnosed patients, family, and friends affected by tumors or cancer. MKF serves this mission through its website, fund-raising, and select events (such as paintball) throughout the year. MKF uses two campaigns in the war on both malignant and nonmalignant tumors. TUMORS SUCK! is a public awareness campaign. It is meant to unify all those touched by a tumor or cancer with a pugilistic, rebellious attitude. Basically, people just wear the logo or post the logo somewhere people can see it to show support for someone under going treatment for a tumor mass… malignant or “non-malignant”. USE THE K.U.R.E. is an action campaign for the newly diagnosed patient and their loved ones to combat any intimidating diagnosis. K.U.R.E. stands for Use Knowledge, Promote Unity, Support Research, and EMPOWER YOURSELF. It's an excellent strategy to combat an intimidating tumor mass diagnosis not only on an individual level but also on a larger community level.

Many of the participants this year expressed how much fun they had. They look forward to next year's event. The highlight of the event was "the gauntlet". Members of Team FUBAR again volunteered to be moving targets as a unique way to raise funds for mAss Kickers Foundation and the National Brain Tumor Society. As a "sniper" in the gauntlet, I couldn't help but laugh at the way Team FUBAR hammed up the gauntlet .

The 2010 paintball benefit was a huge success and doubled funds raised from last year under the leadership of Angel Bureau and Andrew Wlodyga. With another successful event under our belt, we expect an even bigger event next year. I can't wait to see the new wrinkles in the 2011 paintball benefit.

*originally published on Aug 16, 2010 @ 13:37 www.ericgalvezdpt.com

Stache for a good cause!

Magnum P.I. had one. Mike Ditka has one. Hulk Hogan has one. Reno 911 cops have them. The Beastie Boys in the "Sabotage" music video had them. I'm talking about the mustache. You don't see them very often, so when you see so many of them gathered in one place, you can't help but chuckle! On Dec 3, 2009 an enthusiastic group of men and women gathered at Bondi, in downtown San Diego to celebrate hairy upper lips. A little strange? Perhaps, but there was a message behind this madness. Men's Health Awareness, specifically Prostate and Testicular Cancer. The movement called "Movember" was started in 2003 by Adam Garone and a bunch of his friends in Australia. Men are given one month to grow a mustache and raise funds for prostate and testicular cancer research. Women help recruit men to grow a "mo", Australian slang for mustache, for the cause. They are an integral part in supporting the Movember movement! It is rapidly turning into a global event! Women have a very successful pink campaign for breast cancer awareness and generally have an easier time discussing their health. Men typically don't like to talk about their health issues. The mustache is a symbol that opens the door for men to speak about their health. A new mustache is the first thing you notice on someone when they walk into a room. I needed the full month of November to grow my mustache, but I was amazed by the responses I got from it. As a typically clean cut guy, the shock of my "mane" of facial hair drew snickers and jokes about my inability to wipe my mouth after drinking chocolate milk. Once my friends got over the shock of it, I quickly explained the reasoning for my attempt at a hairy upper lip. (I hope they will be participating next year so I can crack jokes about them.) The party at Bondi was full of characters! From "the Swedish Muppet Chef" to Olympian Swimmer, Mark Spitz I was cracking up the whole night! It was great to see people having fun rallying together to raise awareness for a common cause. There is something strangely entertaining about people with mustaches dancing! hahaha! Men's Health is an issue that definitely needs to be addressed! Women show a lot of solidarity in cancer with the pink campaigns. People rally around pink! Often it is for their mom, aunt, or grandma. So many people are touched by cancer. It's time we start looking out for brothers, dads, uncles, and grandpas!

*originally published on Dec 6, 2009 @ 19:31 www.ericgalvezdpt.com

LiveSTRONG Young Adult Alliance (LSYAA)

Last week I had the privilege of flying to Austin, TX to attend the LiveSTRONG Young Adult Alliance Conference. This organization is only a few years old, but I think it has a lot of potential to really make an impact on the fight against cancer. Throughout history, it is the young adults that stimulate change. This organization brings together the leaders in young adult cancer community. I met many of my online friends/advocates for the first time face-to-face. Voices of Survivors, Imerman Angels, Planet Cancer, Tamika and Friends, the Colon Club, Movember, the Testicular Cancer Resource Center, the LiveSTRONG Foundation, the Ulman Fund, and numerous others are doing amazing things! Them, along with I'm Too Young For This, SeventyK, Camp Mak-A Dream, First Descents, the National Brain Tumor Society, and the Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation inspire me to bring my organization, mAss Kickers Foundation to the next level. I was able to attend panels discussing: fundraising in the current economy; treatment issues for young adults; psychological, social, behavioral, and health service research; patient education nonprofits; and the YAA Science task force. There were plenty of opportunities to network with other organizations and even a tour of the LiveSTRONG Headquarters in Austin, but quite honestly the most memorable networking moments for me were the "unsponsored" activities. I got to room with First Descents and even hit the town with a handful of conference attendees. Those were the memories I will remember most. All I have to say is "if you work hard, you deserve to play hard!". The LSYAA has a lot of potential to unite a number of organizations with a common goal of fighting cancer and brain tumors for young adults. I personally would like to see measurable short term and long term goals for the organization. There is no doubt that this organization has the potential to bring about real change due to the leadership, passion, and skills of all it's members. We are all relatively young, full of energy, and passionate about a cause that will unite us. I think that the potential of the Alliance will be something to take notice of in the next few years!

*originally published on Nov 16, 2009 @ 23:20 www.ericgalvezdpt.com

Re-cap: Inaugural Tumors Suck Paintball Fundraiser

August 8, 2009 Pinckney, Michigan

On a damp and stormy Saturday in Michigan, ~100 brave souls endured the elements to raise awareness and funds for brain tumor research in a unique new fundraiser, the "Tumors Suck! Paintball Benefit". That's right... paintball! Paintball falls directly in line with the attitude of "mAss Kickers".

The day started off with a heavy downpour and the chance of thunder showers. Within minutes the chance of thunder showers turned into actual thunder showers. The enthusiasm of the members of the FUBAR paintball team provided a "calming-spark" to those eager to play yet disappointed by the weather. Everyone had to patiently wait out the lightning. FUBAR's participation in the event was key to it's success. They volunteered to mentor participants in this event to share stategy, techniques, and paintball etiquette.

Some of the participants drove hours from the other side of the state to participate in the event! The inclimate weather would not be a deterant for these "mAss Kickers" looking to try paintball. There were creative variations on typical paintball games including "capture the cure" and "survivors vs tumors". The highlight of the day was "the gauntlet". Members of FUBAR volunteered to literally be targets for participants who donated to the fundraiser! They would run across the open field and hide behind targets (or chose to instigate the shooters in the open field!) It provided some humorous moments for everyone involved. Their willingness to "take one for the team" was a display of the solidarity that is essential to combat an intimidating diagnosis. Everyone had the opportunity to take a shot at moving "targets" for charity. FUBAR definitely created some memorable moments for a lot of people. For one day, patients and their loved ones didn't have to worry about their medical battles and feel like they could go on the attack.

As the day progressed, the clouds disappeared and the rain finally stopped. The day was very sympbolic of the attitude a newly diagnosed patient and his/her loved ones must possess in order to effectively battle an intimidating diagnosis. Things look stormy at first, but with correct knowledge, the right attitude, and patience... things can get better. We are looking forward to the next paintball event. Stay tuned, mAss Kickers has a few more events planned!

*originally published on Aug 9, 2009 @ 21:31 www.ericgalvezdpt.com

The Wolf Pack at First Descents

What a great week! I got back last night from Glacier National Park and I was honestly amazed by the whole experience. The superficial purpose of the week was to teach young survivors how to kayak in white water rapids. What I found was an experience that brought everyone (“campers” and “counselors” alike) together as we prepared for the unpredictable river. It was very symbolic of the struggles one experiences when faced with an intimidating diagnosis. When you look at what is coming up, it looks scary as hell. You got to do it and you need help to get to the other side. The first day, we (the “campers”) were all nervous about turning over in our kayak and being stuck turned upside down under water in the kayak. As the week progressed, our confidence grew with the help of the counselors. Just like our loved ones, they were looking out for us. Their enthusiasm and confidence in us was contagious. For a young adult with an intimidating diagnosis, it is difficult to get that type of response from the medical community because there is still a lack of knowledge on how to treat these diseases with young adult issues.

Unlike a brain tumor or cancer diagnosis, many of us would face a challenge for the first time in the company of others similar to us. We faced the same fear of the river, but this time around we had so many “experts” in our corner. I was amazed by many of the stories I heard… breast cancer, sarcoma, colon cancer, etc… all very different diagnoses, but we all had similar experiences in the fight for our lives. Fighting our fear of the rapids was just another battle we would face but this time we had so many people to lean on. It was very easy to build bonds with everyone because it really was “Us vs the River”. The campers were initially intimidated and the counselors were very enthusiastic about helping us overcome our fears and enjoy the river. By Day 6, we all felt confident in each other, our counselors, but most importantly ourselves. It actually reminded me of a quote I once heard.

The strength of the pack is in the wolf. The strength of the wolf is in the pack.

I look forward to staying in contact with my new friends and taking on any new challenges with them in my corner.

Check out our pictures here

*originally published Jul 12, 2009 @ 16:25 www.ericgalvezdpt.com

Young Adult Survivor Conference at Camp-Mak-A-Dream

I had the opportunity to attend the young adult survivor conference at Camp-Mak-A-Dream in Gold Creek, Montana. The name is deceptive because anything associated with the word "Camp" for me conjures up images of singing kumbaya, roasting marshmallows, and eating hotdogs. I didn't know what I needed to bring with me to a "camp" for young adults. I honestly did not know what to expect there. What I found was something I haven't experienced since I was diagnosed with a brain tumor... people like me to talk to face-to-face that understood first-hand how much it SUCKS being a young survivor. It was the first time I've felt comfortable talking about my experiences. I haven't participated in support groups since I was diagnosed because I thought they weren't for me. It's much harder for me to verbalize my thoughts. I'm sure there were people there that felt the same way. We shared laughter, tears, and were able to be ourselves. The conference held different workshops ranging from "Getting and keeping a job after cancer" to "Dealing with Loss". It was nice because all of us were isolated from everything in Montana and only had each other to hangout with. I felt like I really bonded with people there. It was kinda cool because they flew us in, and nobody knew each other that well, so everyone was "forced" to get to know each other. The highlight for me was climbing "the butte" the last day. The "butte" is this huge hill with a great view of the mountains. It took us a 1/2 hour to climb it. I'm convinced that we couldn't have done it without each other. Our mantra was "don't look back till we get to the top." The climb was really symbolic of how we were there to support each other. Some of us had doubts about getting to the top, but we were there to pull each other up physically or mentally. It could have been really easy to turn around halfway up and be satisfied with the view, but you only get to see one side of the "butte". The 360 degree view from the top was truely amazing! Although I didn't know what to bring with me to Montana, I definitely left with more than I brought.

*originally published on May 24, 2009 @ 23:10 www.ericgalvezdpt.com