BTAO: Heads Up To Heroes
Brain S.C.A.N.
"Heads Up to Heroes" Daring • Surviving • Thriving
July 2008 Newsletter
Vol. 2 Issue 2David Welch, founder of 38 Lemon (www.38lemon.com) was diagnosed with a low grade astrocytoma in December 2004 and immediately began journaling his experience online. While his tumor was considered inoperable, David has now had 2 surgeries, over 2.5 years of chemotherapy, and radiation. David is still a Warrior in the battle against what has now become a fast-growing Grade IV GBM.
David truly found a way to turn his adversity into action by sharing his brain cancer experience from a patient's perspective. 38 Lemon has always been noted for its raw courage, candor, and visual realities -- but also for his personal sharing through what he found to be a healing and important activity called journaling, which he has done daily since 1982.
Beyond his Daily Journals, David shares frank, honest visuals and videos concerning the brain, surgery, post-surgery, seizure impact, and more. He clearly has had an impact on many, from those curious about entering this specialty field of medicine to those that have similar experiences but no tangible way to relate outside their own reality. Art about brain tumors was even commissioned and has won international awards.
David was asked about his motivation for starting 38 Lemon. “I'm doing what I do by sharing my experience with others. I want to be on the team that accelerates personalized medicine approaches to brain cancer.” Another motivating factor is that since Dr. Patrick J. Kelly, his neurosurgeon, spearheaded a free and low-cost MRI program in New York, David also believes that MRI's should become a standard of care and incorporated into a routine physical. David started “1st MRI Day” to help with this effort.
Here is a quote taken from the Messages tab of 38 Lemon, where other patients, caregivers, and doctors may share thoughts.
“You, my unseen friend, David Welch, are one of my heroes. You look at life straight eye to eye. Optimistically. Good ole Dennis Waitley says ‘It's not what you are that holds you back, it's what you think you're not.' No holding back for you. David, your courage and determination work for you and others. Who said ‘The greatest good we can do for others is not to share our riches with them, but to reveal their own.' I think you are in the business of empowering others.”
This spalted maple replica of David's tumor at diagnosis on 12/6/04 was made by carpenter David Larson. One picture says a lot.# # #
About 38 Lemon: www.38lemon.com is dedicated to increasing brain cancer awareness from a patient's perspective. Since 2005, the site has documented David Welch's experiences with being a brain cancer patient, from initial diagnosis, to surgery to remove portions of his lemon-sized brain tumor, to additional surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. 38 Lemon gives visitors a first hand look into his life and offers visitors a chance to interact with David and share their own experiences. 38 Lemon, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non profit corporation.
Source: www.braintumorawareness.org
