Brain Tumor Survivors Celebrate Life May 8

When David Bailey was diagnosed with a brain tumor and told he had one year to live, he began a new journey with a new perspective. He returned to his love for songwriting and began to pen and perform songs of courage for fellow survivors. Four years, six albums, and 34 states later, Bailey, his songs, and his passion are alive and well.

Bailey will perform at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on Wednesday, May 8, as part of Brain Tumor Action Week, May 6 through 12.

Current and former brain tumor patients will join Brain Tumor Center doctors and staff for a "Picnic in the Park," from 3 to 5 p.m. in Alkek Park at M.D. Anderson. Hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and balloons will add to the annual "Celebration of Courage and Hope." Brain tumor survivors in attendance will be recognized with a special gift.

Bailey, who has been described as "a happier Gordon Lightfoot," tours nationally with his guitar to sing and perform his songs of hope.

"I think we all have a dream for a reason and I think we all have the time we need to make it happen," Bailey said. "In some ways, we are the lucky ones because we are given a chance to really understand how precious is the gift of life and how fulfilling the moments can be."

More than 100,000 people in the United Sates will be diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor this year. Brain tumors are now the leading cause of cancer death in children under the age of 20, surpassing acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and are the third leading cause of cancer death in young adults ages 20 to 39.

For more information or to RSVP, call (713) 792-2400.

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/05_01_02/page_26.html