“One Hundred and Twenty-Six Days, The Unthinkable Journey”

Posted on March 30, 2024 by Wendy Santana

I can’t imagine the unbearable grief that a parent goes through after the death of their child or even how helpless a parent must feel when their son or daughter is diagnosed with an incurable disease. I have often said how grateful I am that it was me who battled brain cancer and not my son. But I’m also fortunate…

“Happy New Year and five highlights from 2023”

Posted on January 2, 2024 by Wendy Santana

Hello, and Happy New Year! I hope you had a healthy holiday season and that all of your dreams come true in 2024. Following are five highlights from 2023: Highlight #1: Working for the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) – Community Events After spending eight years recovering from brain cancer (and a few other medical issues), I returned to the…

GBM Awareness Day 2023

Posted on September 2, 2023 by Wendy Santana

Glioblastomas, also known as GBM and Glioblastoma Multiforme, are malignant grade 4 brain tumors. This is the most aggressive and deadliest type of brain cancer. There isn’t a cure for brain cancer and the average life expectancy for someone newly diagnosed with GBM is 14-16 months. GBM Awareness Day took place on July 19, this year. The images below were…

Go Gray In May

Posted on May 7, 2023 by Wendy Santana

Although we promote brain tumor/cancer awareness in the U.S. by going Gray in May, the goal of the A Face of Strength social media campaign at 2nd Chance 2 Live is to spread awareness, put a face to the disease, provide inspiration, offer hope, showcase the urgent need for a cure, and help establish a digital footprint for those who…

“Weathering the storm of a terminal illness.”

Posted on January 31, 2023 by Wendy Santana

An interview with FOX 11’s meteorologist, Maria Quiban Whitesell, author of You Can’t Do It Alone: A Widow’s Journey Through Loss, Grief and Life After.” (Note: If you prefer to watch or listen to this interview, click on the image at the bottom of this post). Imagine you finally meet the love of your life. Eventually, you marry, and soon…