Episode Details

“Can anyone be an advocate? YES. Tell YOUR story. Your story is POWER.” -Ruth Kavanagh

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Ruth Kavanagh is a 39 year old female who was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer (Grade III anaplastic ependymoma) at the age of 34. She was having vague symptoms and was being planned for a brain MRI to rule out early onset multiple sclerosis. However, she then suffered a seizure while getting a manicure, woke up in an emergency room on April 6, 2014 and was told she had a brain lesion that had to be removed.

Her life changed forever on that day.

Ruth is now a two time brain cancer survivor/thriver! She has had conquered brain cancer twice, had five brain cancer surgeries, multiple courses of radiation, and innumerable hospitalizations but she is now cancer-free.

Since her diagnosis, she has focused on raising awareness and fundraising and advocating on behalf of the brain cancer community.  She is involved in several charities and works tirelessly as much as she can to defeat this disease. Despite all of this, Ruth is one of the most optimistic people I have had the privilege of speaking with.

On today’s episode, she shares her story as well as her thoughts on the language of cancer, becoming a cancer advocate, connecting with others when newly diagnosed, the importance of caring for the caregiver, and at the very end of the episode, her thoughts on what hope really is. Her words are beautiful and to say she is inspiring does not even begin to do it justice. Go listen. You will not be disappointed.

(Phototograph and permission to post provided by Ruth Kavanagh)

What We Discussed on Todays’ Episode/Helpful Links:

Glioblastoma Awareness Day

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