I am reaching out to ask for your help and support.  That is, in this week
of cyber-shopping to please consider a bit of cyber-GIVING.  You can do this
by clicking on the following link.
http://www.chriselliottfund.org/getinvolved/donate.html

Even a relatively modest sum can go a long way in supporting the work we do.

Wishing you the most joyous of holiday seasons!

- Dellann Elliott, Founder,
President & CEO, Chris Elliott Fund

Anyone who has just been diagnosed with cancer is particularly vulnerable to this type of thing. Their world has just been turned upside down, and they are suddenly exposed to a new place with odd language, and a journey ahead that is not going to be fun. So where do you turn and whom do you believe?

I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time with the father of one of my close friends, a physician whose practice includes cancer patients. He was able to explain what treatments I would mostly need and why. With this information, I was able to move forward.

Lacking this resource, I am not sure what I would have done. Cancer patients absolutely need a credible source of information that they can trust in navigating their journey ahead. Someone who understands their diagnosis and what it means, can explain options for treatment and what they mean, can refer them to help with practical matters such as finding transportation and insurance coverage. Help in counteracting all the misinformation out there. Not to mention being there for them.

This is what the Chris Elliott Fund (CEF) provides to brain tumor patients why it is so important. Contact us at Info@ChrisElliottFund.org with your questions or if you need a healthcare advocate for brain tumor treatment options. Blessings!

Claire Tinker
Grants Manager
206-283-2490

My father was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March 2010.  He had no symptoms before a massive seizure sent him to the emergency room of our local hospital.  My family was blindsided and devastated.  We felt lost and completely in the dark.  We had never known anyone that had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

We were told by our family & friends that the “best doctors” were at the University of Washington.  So, appointments were made and after 6 weeks of listening to unfamiliar words in rooms full of oncologists, chemotherapists, radiologists and neurologists, a biopsy was scheduled for the end of April.  We had to wait one week for the results.  We were anxious to get answers so we could start our “game plan” and get rid of this tumor.

On May 5, 2010, our first appointment was made with a doctor at the UW.   He opened my father’s file and nonchalantly informed us that, unfortunately, the biopsy showed a Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM, stage 4 brain cancer and there wasn’t anything we could do to cure him.  Perhaps chemo and radiation could give him a few more months, but that it was our decision whether we wanted to do that or not.  He gave us NO HOPE. His lack of emotion and fatalistic viewpoint sent all of us into a semi-shock.   We were not in the least bit mentally prepared to absorb such devastating news.

After 2 days of uncontrollable sobbing and brief periods of denial, our family did the smartest thing that we have ever done:  We made the conscious decision to not give up.  We were going to try.  Try to survive, try to accept the cards we were dealt, and learn how to change them.  I knew that to the UW doctors, my father was just a number; but to me, he was my best friend.  My indestructible father was not “on borrowed time”, and he WOULD be the exception.  After researching every book and online article, my mom decided to contact Dellann Elliott, President & CEO, Chris Elliott Fund, info@ChrisElliottFund.org/www.ChrisElliottFund.org.  She had read the CEF story and felt she could turn to Dellann for guidance.  Dellann is a kindred spirit, and was so knowledgeable about brain tumors and what is on the cutting edge of treatments.   Dellann told us a year and a half ago that we should get a 2^nd opinion from Dr. Foltz at the Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment and that she would arrange for it.  We should have listened to Dellann’s advice then because the support and knowledge that Dellann provides to each family and patient is desperately needed and critical.  Dellann and the CEF on a mission to educate and provide awareness about this disease so that everyone knows what to do about a brain tumor diagnosis to extend or even save one’s live before they need to know it.  Dellann gave us the HOPE that we needed.  JOIN TEAM CEF at the 4^th Annual Seattle Brain Cancer WALK to help us in this mission.  Register and donate today at: www.ChrisElliottFund.

Having the support team and CEF and knowing that whatever questions we may have, from new trials out of the state to the definition of a word, CEF is there.

For as long as I can remember, every time that I’ve been sick or there has been an obstacle that seems unbeatable or too tough to conquer, my father has always held my hand and carried me through.  I’m supporting TEAM CEF in the 4^thnAnnual Seattle Brain Cancer WALK because this time, my father is the sick one, and it’s my turn to show him that he can count on me.  He gave me tenacious drive and unwavering will power, and I will be PART OF THE CURE.  I will fight for my family and help in every way possible.  I love you dad.

Rachael Long

The skilled surgeons at OHSU removed the tumor a couple days later and most of us felt it was a close call, assuming they had removed the tumor and Christy would be fine and make a full recovery. Only a few short weeks later she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. Before her diagnosis, I don’t remember ever even hearing the word “Glioblastoma” and had no idea what it was. My wife received some information from a friend who had experience with this particular form of cancer. He introduced us to Dellann Elliott, CEO of the Chris Elliott Fund. Dellann gave me a lot of information, introduced me to exceptional health care providers, and quickly became a trusted resource.

The rest of the story belongs to Christy. It’s her journey and we are here to support her, which is why I’m walking this year, for the first time ever – to support friends and family fighting brain cancer. I walk because I want to be there for others when they get that call in the early morning hours and have no idea what Glioblastoma means, or how they should react to news that a dear friend has a malignant brain tumor.

Glioblastoma is a devastating disease that 22,000 people will be diagnosed with this year. Half of those diagnosed will live more than one year and less than 5% will make it past 5 years. As bleak as the statistics are, progress is being made but it depends on support. So while I’m walking to support Christy, I’m also walking to support the researchers, doctors and social workers that are working to cure this disease. I walk with team CEF because Dellann Elliott and the Chris Elliott Fund helped us find answers. I want to make that information available to everyone that needs it. I want to support the people that do not yet know they need, so when the time comes they have everything they need to fight this disease.

Please join us in the 2011 Seattle Brain Cancer walk. Go to www.chriselliottfund.org and look for the “Walk” link under the events tab (direct link).

I was reminded  last Friday once again, what it means to be around a handful of unique individuals who understand the difficulties of each situation and strive to do whatever it takes, whatever is best for the patient–this is where they focus their efforts, whether politically correct or not, they advocate and service the life of the patient and somehow connect to what is right and what is honorable when it comes to the patient and their care. 

I am lucky to have one of my inspirations right here in Seattle, and I felt the need this evening to reach out and say, thank you Dr. Gregory Foltz for all that you do.  You inspire me to end this disease with you, and believe me, we will.