IN MAY 2016, 34-year-old Adam Hayden underwent brain surgery that led to a diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Hayden’s mobility was limited as he recovered from surgery to remove the tumor, and the Greenwood, Indiana, resident was unable to drive due to his frequent seizures. Looking for support from other people with experience in brain cancer, he turned to the internet.
Hayden started a blog, called
Glioblastology, that has become a destination for people with glioblastoma, their loved ones and anyone else interested in the graduate-trained philosopher’s unique take on his condition. But he blogged for a year before anyone took notice, he says. One exception was Jessica Morris of New York City, a self-confessed “Adam Hayden fan” who had been diagnosed with glioblastoma at age 52 in January 2016.
Glioblastology, that has become a destination for people with glioblastoma, their loved ones and anyone else interested in the graduate-trained philosopher’s unique take on his condition. But he blogged for a year before anyone took notice, he says. One exception was Jessica Morris of New York City, a self-confessed “Adam Hayden fan” who had been diagnosed with glioblastoma at age 52 in January 2016.
“When I was first diagnosed, I actually found it quite difficult to talk to people, because it would be acknowledging that I’m now somebody with a brain tumor,” says Morris, a communications consultant who had started
her own blog after her diagnosis. “But after I’d been able to come to terms with the diagnosis, I did find it—and I do find it—very important to make those connections.” Morris and Hayden shared a mutual appreciation for one another’s writing and soon struck up a friendship. Now, they’re to try to push forward research into their disease.
her own blog after her diagnosis. “But after I’d been able to come to terms with the diagnosis, I did find it—and I do find it—very important to make those connections.” Morris and Hayden shared a mutual appreciation for one another’s writing and soon struck up a friendship. Now, they’re to try to push forward research into their disease.
Morris is founder of a nonprofit startup called
OurBrainBank, which on March 13 launched an app that allows individuals with glioblastoma to keep track of their symptoms. Hayden is a member of the OurBrainBank board.
OurBrainBank, which on March 13 launched an app that allows individuals with glioblastoma to keep track of their symptoms. Hayden is a member of the OurBrainBank board.
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