Friday, February 8, 2013
A Land O' Lakes man is taking on the disease that has so far taken his mother's sight and memory—raising money and promoting awareness to help others battling brain cancer.
You have stage four brain cancer. That's what doctors told Suzanne Ciani when she went to the emergency room for her headaches in the fall of 2011. Doctors removed one mass, only to have it return with two others a few months later. "In June they removed the original and the third, the second tumor is inoperable," son Chris Ciani of Land O' Lakes said. "Since her last surgery she has lost almost all sight and her short-term memory is nonexistent. She has been on chemo and radiation since." But Suzanne's a warrior. And with the help of her family, she's spawned a battle beyond her own in an effort to help others fighting for their lives. "In the spring of 2012 my mom spoke to my siblings and I about helping others who have brain cancer and …
The Suzanne Ciani Brain Cancer Foundation has opportunities for students who need service hours and others who would like to get involved.
Looking for volunteer or sponsorship opportunities? The Suzanne Ciani Brain Cancer Foundation needs you. The foundation hosts a monthly truck rally in Lutz, and they need about 12 people to help with tasks such as parking, set up and break down, running tables and assisting vendors, founder Chris Ciani said. Students who need service hours are welcome, he said. Ciani also is looking for a location to host a 5K run, and hopes a local church or business might be willing to work with him on that. In addition, business sponsorships are needed for events. If you would like to help out or need more information, contact Ciani at chris@scbraincancer.org. See also: New Foundation Has Big Plans in War Against Brain Cancer
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Proceeds from the event benefit the Suzanne Ciani Brain Cancer Foundation.
Food truck fans, there's a monthly event you may want to put on your calendars. "Truckin' for a Cure" happens the first Friday of the month at Holy Trinity Church of Lutz, 20735 Leonard Road, according to the event's Facebook page. The events benefit the Suzanne Ciani Brain Cancer Foundation. "There will be food trucks with amazing food, live music and many vendors," organizers wrote. The next "Truckin' for a Cure" will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. For more information, check out the "Truckin' for a Cure" Facebook page. Holy Trinity Church is located just south of State Road 54, off U.S. 41. See Map
Lauren Shafer
10:40 am on Friday, February 8, 2013
I have had the honor to get to know the Ciani family and they are some of the kindest and most sincere folks I have ever met. Suzanne is a beautiful woman inside and out, and it has been my pleasure to cross paths with her in life. Best wishes of health to her and her family! -Lauren Shafer more ›