Right: The Pools gather together shortly after Elizabeth’s mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. “Spending quality time together as a family was so very important during our brain tumor journey,” said Elizabeth
Above: Elizabeth (left) and her mother Nancy (right) in the summer of 2009 at the Phoenix Botanical Gardens in Arizona, USA. Nancy loved nature and plants, so visiting the gardens was very special for her, particularly when she was going through
our school, and are constantly trying to raise awareness about brain cancer. The enthusiasm I see from my peers raises my hopes and is another stride forward towards finding a cure for this horrific disease. Reaching out to Key Club, National Honor Society, and non-members of the club at school to look for volunteers was encouraging - many kids want to donate their time and help the foundation. SSBTR has a new meaning to my high school, my friends, and especially me. After working hard, week by week, with the dedicated volunteers, I have never had more motivation to do the absolute best job I can, and to always give 100 percent. This organization has touched my heart forever, right next to my mother.
Above: Elizabeth and her siblings, March 2008, at West Point, the United States Military Academy in the town of Highlands in Orange County, New York. Left to right: Rachel, Elizabeth, Laurie Beth, and brother Aaron
chemotherapy and radiation for her brain tumor
Remembering Mom my family and I first became active members in SSBTR. That first year, we gathered a group of about 20 friends and family to walk with my mom in her newlybegun fight against brain cancer. Nearly four years later, we are expecting close to 200 members of our community to walk alongside us in memory of my mother. The SSBTR Walk-A-Thons have been a wonderful way to spend time with my friends and family as each and every one of them shows their support by walking and wearing their pink “Team Nancy” shirt, loud and proud. Between all the food, games, music, and entertainers, the excitement is unforgettable.
Looking back at my childhood and adolescence, I can barely remember my mom before she was sick. But I am lucky, because this fact does not bother me. When I look back, I remember her laughter, as though it were ringing in my ears today. I remember her child-like demeanor as we played games together or walked hand-in-hand. I remember her kissing me goodnight, telling me she loved me. I remember the light and hope she filled our home with, even when our hearts were filled with sorrow and despair.
With each passing day, these memories were imprinted in my brain and in my heart. I feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment in taking steps towards curing the disease that plagued the lives of my family for years. Each year when I walk around the track at the Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research Walk-A-Thon, I imagine my mom walking beside me, telling me how proud she is of what we have accomplished. n For further information on Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research, see http://www.ssbtr.org/
The SSBTR Club is established It occurred to me last year after the Walk-AThon, that I would like nothing more than to be a part of the team who helps organize the SSBTR Walk-A-Thon each year. I was accepted as a Co-Chair and took on the job of Secretary, excited to begin planning and organizing the 2013 event. If it weren’t for the encouragement from my friends, I would not have created an SSBTR Club at school, which has now grown to over 60 members. Through the overwhelming success of this club, we have organized fundraisers at numerous restaurants, held individual fundraisers at
Above: “Team Nancy Pool” at the SSBTR Walk-A-Thon in 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona
Brain Tumour
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