UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Magazine E-Edition 2014 | Page 7

Mary-Margaret Brown YOUNG SUPPORTERS BOARD PROFILE Mary-Margaret Brown is a native of Mobile, but now calls Birmingham home with her husband of seven years, Austin, their son Slaton, 4, and daughter Mary Austin, almost 2. This young family was introduced to cancer in July 2012 when Mr. Brown was diagnosed with a low-grade astrocytoma, a tumor located in the left occipital lobe of his brain. Since then, Mrs. Brown has become extremely active in How has your involve- the cause, joining the Young Supporters Board of the UAB ment with the Cancer only serves as vice president of the board, but she also, with Research saves lives, and establish the Neuro-Oncology Research Acceleration Fund, lives. I know there are new Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2012. Mrs. Brown not Center inspired you? the help of her in-laws, Janie and David Brown, has helped the Cancer Center is saving which has raised nearly $800,000 for brain tumor research and related initiatives at the Cancer Center. Can you tell us about your husband’s initial diagnosis? Austin woke up one morning with a severe headache and blurred vision, and that afternoon the tumor was discovered during an MRI and CT scan. Oddly enough, his symptoms were caused by a migraine, not the tumor. treatments and cures being developed at UAB, but scientists need our help. I have met with these scientists, and I have seen their passion and heard their frustrations. Brain cancer receives less than 1 percent of the national funding given toward cancer research. That has to change. We were advised to see a neuro-surgeon quickly, and we What progress have you seen with the Neuro-Oncology discovered at that time as malignant gliomas can be very received has surpassed anything I ever imagined. My main wanted to go to UAB. It is such a blessing the tumor was Research Acceleration Fund? The support this fund has aggressive and difficult to treat. objectives are to spread awareness of brain cancer in our What has his treatment been like? Austin went through six weeks of radiation and a year of chemotherapy. We first assumed the goal of treatment was to eliminate the tumor. Unfortunately with brain cancer, the hope is that treatment will slow or stop growth, as there is no cure. The treatments were successful for Austin as his tumor has not grown or progressed, but we do not know how long the effects will last. What was the next move for you? When Austin was diagnosed, we were told our hope was to manage it, which gave me such a helpless feeling. My way to cope was to serve others, which is why I got involved with the Young Supporters Board. It has been a privilege to work with others who are also passionate about the cause to promote the Cancer Center, serve patients and their families, and eliminate cancer. community and to raise funds for specific research projects that will be overseen by Dr. Burt Nabors (Austin’s neuro-oncologist). I have been told many times that brain cancer is a disease with no winners, and I want to moti- vate others to help change this. My husband and so many others need a cure, and this fund will bring hope to those fighting this disease. What has motivated your husband during his treatment? The doctors and research at UAB have been a big motivational factor for Austin. Knowing that he is receiving care at one of the top neuro-oncology programs in the country is very inspiring. Every doctor on his team is incredible, and we have so much confidence in them. Our children have also motivated him. They bring a new and joyful perspective, which was needed during difficult times. My hus- “I have been told many times that brain cancer is a disease with no winners, and I want to motivate others to become involved in an effort to change this.” band’s life, and our family’s life, is not defined by cancer. U A B C O M P R E H E N S I V E C A N C E R C E N T E R 7