R.I.P – Daniel Wang, Brain Tumor Victim & Greeting Card Artist

What would you do if you were diagnosed with brain cancer? 

I might crawl into a corner, curl up into a fetal position and moan a lot. I might walk into the nearest bar and order drinks until I couldn’t walk any more. I might go paragliding, because, what’s the worst that could happen?

Daniel Wang didn’t do any of these things. Instead, He used his brain tumor experience to draw greeting cards.

According to a poignant article by Amanda Marrazzo in the Chicago Tribune, Daniel started creating greeting cards with his colorful and cheery pencil drawings, and with the help of his business class instructor, Ryan Bruno he turned his artwork into a small business.

He donated all the proceeds from sales of his greeting cards to the Illinois-based “Make-A-Wish” foundation catering to the needs of children with “life-threatening medical conditions”.  See http://wish.org/about-us/our-story

This is a kid who used his disease, his handicap to help others instead of wallowing in self-pity and anger.

I find this to be pretty inspiring, actions that made me believe that Daniel was more of a man than a struggling teenage.

If I ever have the ravenous and unbeatable brain cancer that Daniel had, I hope I have the grace and vision and power to be as giving as him.

Here’s a link to her well-written article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/news/ct-daniel-wang-cancer-greeting-cards-met-20150414-story.html

And here’s a link to my original blog posting about his cards and his achievements when he was alive: http://johnstumor.blogspot.com/2014/05/hope-through-cards-young-brain-tumor.html

“We were optimistic when we were told that some people survived two years or more…”

“There is life after being told you have brain cancer” said Arkesden resident Jim Miles to a reporter from the Saffron Waldron Reporter: http://www.saffronwaldenreporter.co.uk/news/there_is_life_after_being_told_you_have_brain_cancer_arkesden_resident_jim_miles_shares_his_story_1_3738929

Here's how this article starts: "For Jim Miles life is about enjoying the simple things. Walking his dogs with wife Cathy, playing golf, and writing his blog.

Above all, life is about spending time with family and friends and making the most of every day.

Every day counts because Jim is dying from brain cancer.”

And how is Jim spending his few remaining moments?

The article notes that “…Jim is alive today because of the pioneering surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

The neurosurgical microscope used could extend – and maybe save – many other lives, but to meet the demand, £325,000 must be raised to purchase another.

That is what Jim is focused on.”

You can read more about this amazingly centered, mature man here: http://www.saffronwaldenreporter.co.uk/news/there_is_life_after_being_told_you_have_brain_cancer_arkesden_resident_jim_miles_shares_his_story_1_3738929