Jennifer's idea of a brain tumor awareness license plate has become a reality. Thanks to Senator Dempsey, The Missouri Legislature and Governor Nixon, on July 1st, The Brain Tumor Awareness Organization license plate was signed into law.
Please support this initiative by registering online.
This license plate initiative is one that needs to happen in every state so that we can raise awareness nationwide. The more initiatives we start in 2010, the more success as an awareness community we can have!

“Prior to diagnosis I was working full time as a nurse and long for the day when I can return to work. But then again, I wouldn't really want a nurse with a brain tumor taking care of me!! I was very surprised at the lack of awareness. I have tried to maintain my positive attitude, except when I could not, and feel that has helped me through out the past 5 years. I am still in the mind set of helping others and am a volunteer facilitator for the young adult brain tumor and adult brain stem glioma online support groups.
Since my diagnosis I have been extremely involved in helping set up local fund raisers for brain tumor research. Starting in March, I will be teaching classes twice per month at a local cancer
center also. I am very involved in my son's parochial school with organizing new fundraisers. Jennifer was diagnosed in November 2003 with a brain stem tumor, shortly after the birth of her first son. She chose to fight and not give into this horrible disease. Dying was not an option! Since that day, she had seen multiple physicians across the country, completed 23 rounds of chemotherapy and under went Cyber Knife Radio Surgery. Prior to her diagnosis, she was working full time as a nurse and still longs for the day when she can return to work. She began her volunteer work back in high school when she volunteered as a candy striper with the American Red Cross. Then went on to volunteer teaching CPR classes and working in their office. She is still in the mind set of helping others and volunteers as the facilitator for on line support groups and at the Wellness Community. Since her diagnosis, she has been involved in helping set up local fund raisers to benefit brain tumor research. She is also waiting for training to become a Cyber Knife Ambassador for St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis Missouri.
Her situation is unique from others. She has experienced cancer from ALL aspects. From being a nurse for oncology patients, to being a patient herself and being a caregiver/advocate for her grandmother and numerous friends.
My situation is unique from most others I have met. I have experienced cancer from ALL aspects. I was the nurse taking care of oncology patients. Then became a patient myself. I have also been a caregiver/advocate to my grandmother, aunt, uncle and numerous friends. Now that I am feeling "better" I am eager to make a difference and give back as much as I can to our cause. I say our cause since we are all in this together. We have to be a united front to make a difference and have our voice be heard. The knowledge I would gain from the LIVESTRONG Summit could be brought back here to St Louis and shared within my community.”