Thursday, September 17, 2009

It has been a whole year

It may surprise some of you to know that I will be running in the Baltimore Running Festival Marathon on October 10, 2009. I hope that some of you will sponsor me in this event in order to raise money for brain tumor research.

For those of you who are not aware, finishing a marathon has been a goal of mine for sometime. I was training for the 2008 Baltimore Marathon when I literally ran into some bad news. One year ago today I was running in preparation for the race when I collapsed due to a seizure.

Doctors discovered a malignant tumor in the right frontal lobe of my brain. Eight days later I underwent brain surgery and the tumor was successfully removed. The results of my pathology report required me to complete radiation and chemotherapy. The treatment was a long and difficult process but, it is not nearly as tough as it was even five years ago.

Brain tumors like the one I had require different treatment methods than other forms of cancer. That is why it is important that specialized research groups get funds and donations directly. My surgeon Dr. Alfredo QuiƱones-Hinojosa, is a member of a research team at Johns Hopkins which works towards developing innovative methods for treating brain tumors. This group is responsible for some of the only methods effective in treatment of brain tumors. Further information about the group can be located at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/specialty_areas/brain_tumor/.

I received overwhelming support in my fight against cancer from so many different people. Since it seems as though I may have won my battle, I am asking that you direct your support to a cause that can help many others get to where I am. Any donation toward this goal would be most appreciated.


Thankfully,

John Petrovick
Jpetrovick5@gmail.com
Cell- 443-527-5402


Please make checks payable to "Johns Hopkins." In the memo part of the check, please write Dr. Quinones Stem Cell Research. Those of you wishing to contribute can send donations to me at:
704 Rusack Ct.
Arnold, MD 21012