Pt. St Lucie, FL, May 11, 2023 : Brain Tumor Awareness Month is nationally recognized in the United States during the month of May. In May, we come together for Brain Tumor Awareness Month – a month dedicated to education, raising awareness and shining a light on a patient population that is often overlooked.
In observance of Brain Cancer Awareness Month the nonprofit B.R.A.I.N. Cancer Foundation of the Treasure Coas thosted the first annual Hope to End Brain Cancer benefit. The event was held on May 11 at Truly Title, 1100 SW St Lucie West Blvd, Suite 100, Pt . St Lucie, FL.
An amazing afternoon was spent raising money for the Hope to End Brain Cancer Benefit/BRAIN Cancer
Foundation of the Treasure Coast. Thanks to the dedicated crowd many wonderful auction items were bid upon, helping to raise funds so BCFTC can continue spread brain cancer awareness and assist families impacted by brain tumors. The benefit raised just under $3k. The funds will benefit two families who have loved ones who are currently battling brain cancer.
Brain cancer is one of the most-costly cancers to treat. Even when the patient is covered by health insurance the costs associated with brain tumor treatments can be astronomical. In addition to direct medical costs, there are out-of-pocket expenses for patients and their families which may include: travel to and from treatment and lodging, home health aides and rehabilitation.
A highlight of the event were the presentations by Krystel Kaminski (daughter of Lisa Howe, diagnosed with
glioblastoma in December 2021) and Stephanie Ankiel-West, founder of the BCFTC. Ms. Kaminski expressed
how the BCFTC had reached out and provided support to her family when her mother was diagnosed with
glioblastoma. Stephanie Ankiel-West spoke about the mission of the foundation and about her recent trip to
Washington D.C. , where she met with lawmakers to talk about policies that support patients, research and
fundraising for brain tumor research, including pediatric brain tumors. Also in attendance were Michelle
Bernate and Michelle Wheeler who are both brain tumor survivors.
The BCFTC is grateful to all the businesses and individuals who so generously donated items for the benefit. “We couldn’t be more appreciative for the community’s support for the brain tumor community and our foundation. It was moving to see the community come together to support the benefit,” Ankiel-West said.
The mission of the BCFTC to promote awareness about cancer, in particular brain cancer, and collect local cancer information via a self-reporting cancer database to study areas with a high prevalence of cancer diagnosis and to discover possible leads to its cause. The Foundation provides a venue for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers to come together to share experiences and support each other. The BCFTC also provides assistance to families such as gift cards, meals, utilities, medical supplies, equipment, etc., in the Treasure Coast affected by cancer. Contact Stephanie Ankiel at 772-370-7176 or visit the BCFTC website https://www.braincancertc.org/ for more information.
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