This entry was written by my father, Tony Cusano:

I remember the day we got the news like yesterday – the cause of the mysterious double vision would finally be known.  The phone rang and it was the call we had waited three long days for:

“Hi, Dr. Spector would like you to come in this afternoon – your results are in.”

As we were driving to his office, I did not have a good feeling.  The unknown was killing me and we needed an answer.   We walked right into his office and Dr. Spector did not pull any punches.

I heard the words that he was saying to Chris and I was hoping that it was a dream:  “Your MRI shows a massive tumor in the center of your brain.  Your brain has been pushed aside and your optic nerve is being crushed, thus the reason for your double vision.  You also have hydrocephalus, and quite honestly, I do not know how you are functioning.  I have already contacted the chief of neurosurgery at Yale and he and his doctors will be waiting for you when you arrive.”

I could not speak, there was no saliva in my mouth.  I felt my heart was racing and my legs suddenly felt very unstable.  I hugged Chris and we both cried but immediately, we went on the offensive.  After enduring the mysterious double vision and headaches, we now knew what we were fighting and I honestly believed that he was going to be alright.  The battle was excruciating, full of ups and downs with many more unknowns, and it will continue throughout Chris’ life.

I tell you this piece of the story again because my family and I have now chosen to continue to fight the war on brain tumors and brain cancer.  It is the reason that we now do these fundraisers.  If I can alleviate the pain that some other parent and child may have to go through by the efforts of these fundraisers, then all of this work is well worth it.

I have a new found respect for fundraisers and directors of corporate relations because fundraising is not an easy task.  No matter how noble the cause is asking for donations, raffle gifts, favors or attending an event, it is never easy.   We are all so busy with our own schedules and we all have our causes that we want to support.

But our cause is true in spirit.  We know the pain of this disease, and what it can do to the individual and the family.  One hundred percent of the money raised is donated to the Yale Brain Tumor Center where the money is used to promote better brain tumor treatment options and support clinical and laboratory research to find a cure for brain tumors.  It is nice to know where the money is going and what the doctors are doing with it in their efforts to learn about the tumors and stop the disease from affecting families like ours.

We are so close to our goal for this years event.  I thank all of our family, friends and business organizations who have donated this year and in the past, but additional support would go a long way in assisting now and in the future.   If you can make a donation, if you can donate a raffle gift, but most importantly if you can attend the concert on September 19th, we would greatly appreciate it.