“Memoir of a True Airhead”

Posted on March 30, 2024 by Wendy Santana

I recently had the opportunity to connect with brain tumor thriver and author, Brenda Nearpass. In May of 2018, after enduring years of headaches, Brenda was finally diagnosed with a grade II Meningioma brain tumor. She went through emergency brain surgery and then thirty radiation treatments. As she questioned those around her about what was happening, she documented her story…

“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…

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…

Welcome to 2023!

Posted on January 1, 2023 by Wendy Santana

Wishing you a safe, joyous, and healthy New Year. 🍾🎊🙏🏻 Together (through this blog) we’ve celebrated (and memorialized) more than 200 brain tumor/cancer survivors, caregivers, and supporters via the ongoing “A Face of Strength” social media campaign. Your involvement has also helped raise awareness and tens of thousands of dollars (since 2015) for brain tumor/cancer research and patient/caregiver support. Additionally,…