“Survive and Thrive” Brain Tumor Walk to Help Cancer Survivors, June 13

Rebecca Housel understands the special needs of brain tumor patients—from surgeries and chemotherapy protocols to what it takes to bounce back and embrace life again.

Housel, a two-time, 13-year survivor of brain cancer and a lecturer in Rochester Institute of Technology’s Department of Language and Literature, wants to help others continue living after cancer. For Housel this personally means using a leg brace and a walker to compensate for an injury suffered during her second surgery. Both expensive items only partially covered by insurance.

To help other survivors afford necessities such as leg braces and walkers, Housel has organized Survive and Thrive: Brain Tumor Walk 2004 to take place at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 13, on the RIT campus. Registration for the 1.5-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. in parking lots G and H.

All proceeds will go to Gilda’s Club of Rochester, a non-profit organization associated with Cancer Action, which provides free cancer education, counseling and a children’s summer camp. The first-ever Brain Tumor Walk marks Gilda’s Club new initiative, The Phoenix Fund, dedicated to helping Rochester brain tumor patients.

“Everyone deserves hope for a future,” Housel says.

To sign up for the walk or to volunteer your time, contact Housel at rahgsl@rit.edu or housereb@rochester.rr.com.