Ivy Blog

Marie Donahue's life took an unexpected turn when a precautionary MRI revealed a large mass on her brain, leading to a diagnosis that would forever change her trajectory. Marie embarked on an extraordinary journey, transforming a daunting brain tumor diagnosis into a life filled with adventure, discovery, and profound shifts in priorities.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion. It has the ability to rewire the brain, creating new neural pathways, enhancing the production of serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters and regulating stress hormones. Research suggests practicing gratitude can provide significant mental and physical benefits. Read our full blog post to get started practicing gratitude.

Jenn Ortiz, a mother of two, is celebrating three years of survivorship this August! Her journey with brain cancer began at the Ivy Center when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Despite the challenges she's faced, Jenn remains optimistic, inspiring those around her with her perseverance and undeniable sense of humor. Read her full story here.

Brain cancer survivor Dalton Riddle is defying the odds. He’s about to celebrate living three years with glioblastoma. For most, the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 12-15 months. Read his survivorship story and how he supports others facing a similar diagnosis.

Brain surgery recovery requires time and patience. While this time frame is different for everyone, you can support healing by using these brain recovery tips.

Finding out a parent has been diagnosed with glioblastoma can be overwhelming. Finding answers and support becomes top priority. Read about a daughter, her mom and their brain cancer story.

Lanette Veres, who was first diagnosed with brain cancer 24 years ago, knows the overwhelming sense of fear and isolation when faced with a brain tumor diagnosis. As the founder of the Gray Matters Foundation and the official support partner of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, Lanette has made it her mission to support others facing the disease.

In honor of Brain Tumor Awareness Month, Amber Jackson, wife of brain cancer patient, Tim Jackson, recounts her husband's journey with glioblastoma and asks for your support of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center's mission to contribute to a cure for brain cancer within this decade.

In honor of Nate and his courageous battle with GBM, Dr. Tedesco has decided to bike across the country to support the innovative research at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow. Through his ride, Dr. Tedesco hopes to inspire others to do something to honor a loved one with brain cancer.

In the spring of 2020, 29-year-old nurse and former firefighter, Ian Youngblood was on the frontlines in New York helping with the influx of COVID-19 patients. While he was there, Ian began experiencing some alarming symptoms. Within days, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Now, Ian's prognosis is stable and he is back to living a busy and active lifestyle.