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Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
Galt man set to inspire others with one-man walk
Join him on June 1 for miles of smiles
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Michael Dennis celebrates every day of his life with a smile for everyone. Dennis is a brain tumor survivor who now wants to inspire the community to support the Brain Tumor Foundation with a one-man walk to raise funds for research.
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By Rachael Ackerman
Herald Editor
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Every day Galt resident Michael Dennis walks through the city, getting where he needs to go, on his own, and always with a smile on his face, hoping to inspire smiles in those he will encounter along his path each day.
So what makes Dennis special?
Perhaps it is that he is a brain tumor survivor, not expected to live through a terrible ordeal that began for his family all the way back in 1974, or perhaps it is that now, as an adult, Dennis has set his course inspiring the entire Galt community not only to smile, but to support brain cancer research through a one-man inspirational walk he has planned for Galt on June 1.
Every day in the United States, 500 adults and children are diagnosed with any one of 120 different types of brain tumor. Every day those families face the stark reality faced by the Dennis family so many years ago, but it’s not every day you meet someone like Michael who rises above the effects of a tragedy like brain cancer to inspire others to survive, to live and to give.
Dennis will be at the Galt Veterans Park on June 1 to walk the perimeter of the park for as long as he can, beginning at 9:30 a.m. All he wants is for the community to come out and share a smile with him as he walks, and to check out all of the materials that will be on hand about the National Brain Tumor Foundation, and consider supporting this very important cause.
In the news recently, the Fagan family of Galt is facing brain tumor treatment for their son, Ben, a time of trial for a family that Dennis clearly remembers from his own life.
“My father was working as a chemist and my mother was training to be a nurse,” said Dennis. “When my physical problems were explained by this brain tumor, everything in my parents’ lives turned upside down.”
Dennis said, even though his father’s work was cut back, he chose to remain where he was, doing whatever was necessary to keep his job in order to maintain the family insurance, and that his mother had to postpone her goals of becoming a nurse to care for him.
“I will never understand why this happened to my family. I do know, however, that there are lessons we can learn,” said Dennis. “I also know how valuable each day is, and I want to invite as many people as I can to my inspirational walk.”
Dennis hopes to raise $1,000 for brain cancer research on Sunday by hosting a drawing along with his walk that will have local gift certificates, services and prizes to try and win, and t-shirts to buy that show your support for researching a cure. Of course, said Dennis, you can always just make a donation to the cause as well. There will be coffee and treats for visitors in the morning and educational opportunities throughout the duration of the walk, and lots and lots of smiles.
Executive director of the National Brain Tumor Foundation Bob Rybicki said events like the one Dennis is undertaking are truly inspiring and beneficial to so many more than just the individual or community hosting the event.
“What Michael is doing is so very important, not only to those diagnosed with brain tumors but for their friends and family,” said Rybicki. “He truly knows the sense of disconnection and frustration people experience when trying to understand and help.”
With a target goal of $1,000, Dennis hopes he can count on the people of Galt to get on board and cheer him on with their support.
“We think we are in control but, really, we are not,” said Dennis. “Ten years ago I found inspiration and love from God. I want to reach out and help other people who need a smile, and truly help people with a brain tumor. It is just a small moment, this walk, but the gift for each will be enormous.”
The National Brain Tumor Foundation is a nationwide nonprofit organization that serves people whose lives are affected by brain tumors. NBTF is dedicated to promoting a cure for brain tumors, improving the quality of life and giving hope to the brain tumor community by funding meaningful research and providing patient resources, timely information and education.
NBTF has awarded more than $5 million in brain tumor research since its founding in 1981 and is the leading provider of services to brain tumor patients and their families.
Services include a toll-free patient information line (800-934-2873), comprehensive Web site (www.braintumor.org), Essential Guide to Brain Tumors and other printed publications, caregiver workshops, medical information nurse, survivor-to-survivor support program, Search newsletter, monthly e-newsletter, teleconferences, conferences, financial assistance, resources in Spanish, and more.
All the programs are free. To learn more, visit www.braintumor.org, e-mail nbtf@braintumor.org or call 800-934-CURE (2873).
To help Michael Dennis raise dollars for the National Brain Tumor Foundation’s patient service programs, visit his Web site at www.firstgiving.com/michaeldennis or contact him by phone at 209-744-1497.
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