CERN Foundation

CERN Inspiration

Inspiration header

This portion of the website is dedicated to patients and caregivers by allowing them to share their stories. This organization would never have been formed if it weren't for amazing people like you. It is imperative to share information, as this is a core value of our foundation. Please, take time to read about some remarkable lives and if you feel comfortable, submit some insight into your own personal journey.

How to Submit a Story

Please submit a photo of yourself, a short bio (3-5 lines about you, where you live, what you do, what your passions are) and your personal message. For questions about submitting a story or to submit your inspiration story click here.

 

 

 Tony Mug

Tony Adjusts to His New Body

After excruciating neck pain, Tony's MRI revealed an intramedullary ependymoma. After being diagnosed and rehabilitation, Tony had to adjusted to his new body.

 
 MaisieMug

Family Creates Non-Profit Organization Project Maisie Hugs

Maisie was diagnosed with supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma at the age of three. During treatments she missed her brother so Maisie's family started a non-profit organization that gives special dolls to sick children.

 
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Intramedullary Ependymoma - My Journey

Sarah’s blog, Intramedullary Ependymoma - my journey, documents her journey with intramedullary ependymoma: a real look into surgery, rehabilitation, and treatment with a little bit of humor.

 
 HannahMug

Taking One Step At A Time

Hannah doesn't dwell on that past and believes that God put her on this earth for a reason, diagnosed with ependymoma at age 4.

 
 Kendal Mug

Several Diagnoses and 10 years Later, Kendal No Longer Takes Anything for Granted

Kendal Mills spent a decade plagued with numbness, tingling, seizures, and numerous tests. He was finally diagnosed with an anaplastic ependymoma.

 
Missy Mug

Diagnosis Inspires Missy To Help Others

Everyone told Missy that headaches and neck pain are normal signs of stress, but she had a gut feeling something was wrong. She was later dianosed with a benign intramedullary ependymoma.

 
 Shelby Mug

Shelby's Story

When life gave Shelby lemons, she made lemonade and shared its sweetness with everyone she knew. She was diagnosed with grade 3 ependymoma at age 1.

 
 Ivory Mug

Ivory's Mother Continues To Hope

Julie shares her advice and experiences as a mother of Ivory, diagnosed with grade 2 ependymoma.

 
 Jen Mug

Mother Diagnosed Never Gives Up

Jennifer Manion lives by the motto, "Never, never, never give up."

 
 Zsila

Zsila Overcomes Ependymoma and Gives Back

After Zsila was diagnosed with grade 2 ependymoma in 1994, she decided to give back and become a Pediatric Neoro-Oncologist.

 
 Alexas Mug

Foundation Formed to Honor The Life of Alexa Rederer

Alexa’s Gifts of Hope Foundation raises money for pediatric brain tumor research and helps support children who are afflicted with ependymoma.

 
 Chas Mug Shot

Chris Celebrates Ependymoma Awareness Day in England

Chris, along with his family and friends, held Ependymoma Awareness Day in North Yorkshire England on April 19th. Chris has been battling ependymoma since he was 8.

 
 Butterfly Belt

Eric Wenger Honors His Daughter

Eric Wenger delivers a speech at the butterfly release to honor his daughter, Kayla, who recently passed away at the age of 12 after battling ependymoma.

 
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Boyden Celebrates Life

Greg was diagnosed with stage II ependymoma and then treated. He shares his advice and his new enthusiasm for life after no signs of regrowth.

 
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Baby Minty's Story

Mei Lai shares her story about her daughter, Minty, who was diagnosed with malignant anaplastic ependymoma. Read more as she shares her advice and her heartfelt story.

 
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Mother Gives Advice on Newly Diagnosed

Sue, Julia Meads mother, shares her advice and experiences that she has learned from her daughter's battle with ependymoma.

 
 Mark Green

Dealing with the Weight of a Diagnosis

Mark was recently diagnosed with an anaplastic epenymoma. He shares his advice and wisdom on dealing with the diagnosis.

 
 Matt Cotcher

Words of Wisdom from an Adult Ependymoma Survivor

Matt was gracious to share with us his story of navigating through his journey with ependymoma. Read more as he shares his advice on dealing with the medical community and ependymoma.

 
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One day at a time

Kimberly, daughter of an ependymoma survivor, shares her advice and unique perspective on coping with the experience of having a loved one fight cancer.

 
 Bruce_thumb

Five pieces of advice

Bruce Blount, an ependymoma survivor, brain tumor advocate, facilitator of two brain tumor support groups, grandfather, believer, and teller of bad jokes shares his advice.