H.O.P.E.  Grant
The Michael G. Belz Foundation would like to help brain tumor or brain cancer patients live and celebrate their lives just as Michael inspired those around him. We are proud to announce our inaugural grant program to help brain tumor patients. We developed a H.O.P.E. Grant in which patients are able to apply to receive financial assistance from the foundation to continue to live and celebrate their life upon diagnosis. When applying, potential recipients complete a short application and explain needs, complete a simple budget worksheet, and explain how the grant will offer H.O.P.E.
H.O.P.E. Grant Recipients: |
Our first grant recipient is Steve, a 43 year old who has brain cancer. Steve was suffering from severe headaches. One day he became dizzy and lightheaded and had to lie down. His wife called 911. After a CT scan was administered a neurosurgeon was called in and Steve was having surgery six days after the 911 call. He had a second surgery three and a half weeks after his initial surgery followed by chemo and radiation. Soon after Steve developed a blood clot (this is a potential risk for BT patients and is called thrombophlebitis) and began treatment for the clot. His wife has been unable to work full-time because she has been taking him to his appointments. Steve felt this grant would give both he and his wife H.O.P.E.
“I want my wife to continue to take me to appointments and support my treatment without having to worry about the time she is missing from work.” The Michael G. Belz Foundation is proud to award Steve the1st MGBF H.O.P.E. Grant. |
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Dale is the 2nd MGBF H.O.P.E. Grant recipient. Dale is 45 years old and lives each day to the fullest! On 11/18/10, he was experiencing numbness on the right side of his mouth that began to travel down the right side of his body. He and his wife went to the hospital. Upon their arrival, his blood pressure was 210/120! After a CT scan revealed a brain lesion and an MRI confirmed the CT results, Dale was admitted to the hospital for further testing.
On 12/1/10 Dale was having a craniotomy. However, after a ten hour procedure, the tumor was deemed inoperable. After healing from the surgery, Dale underwent 45 days of radiation and 33 days of chemotherapy. A follow-up MRI on 3/17/11 demonstrated the aggressive nature of the tumor as it was not responding to the treatment.
Dale, his wife, and six children fight for each day. You can follow their story and offer them encouragement and hope by visiting their blog; http://lqqkn4amiracle.blogforacure.com/weblog |
"Your gift of HOPE will help to alleviate some of the stress of not being able to provide for our children, keep our heads above water, and keep fighting our fight with a smile." |
Our 3rd H.O.P.E. Grant recipient is 29 year old Kristina. Kristina was diagnosed in 2007 with a cancerous brain tumor after experiencing bad headaches. A craniotomy was successful in removing about 90% of the tumor, however after the surgery, Kristina had to attend acute rehab in order to learn to walk, talk and function all over again. In December of 2008, Kristina became pregnant with her first child. During her pregnancy, she began to experience grand mal seizures. The baby was healthy and born in 2009. In September 2010, Kristina learned the tumor had grown and caused bleeding in her brain. She was flown to the hospital and admitted to ICU. Once again about 90% was removed and Kristina completed more therapy. She still experiences minor lest-side issues and seizures. She is undergoing chemotherapy and unable to drive due to the seizures.
“Due to this little bump in my road of life, my family and I are struggling with money and my physical issues. Any little thing would be amazing to us. All I wish for is a decent life for my family!” ~Kristina
Continue to check the MGBFwebsite for future grant recipient announcements!
Know a brain tumor/brain cancer patient who is in need of support? email hope@mgbf.org to learn more about the H.O.P.E. Grant Program! |
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H.O.P.E. Grant
