Today, I walked into Yale New Haven Hospital for my six-month MRI feeling anxious and a little uneasy, because, after all, it is Friday the 13th. However, deep down, I was confident because I have the best surgeon ever, and I walked out the happiest man on the face of the Earth. And after eight long years, five operations and one gamma knife surgery, the stars have aligned and it appears that I am now DONE battling my brain tumor!
You pick the adjective – relieved, ecstatic, thrilled – I’m it. Today’s scans showed nothing, other than a normal looking brain. Sure, my neurocytoma might have given me a battle at times and it even attempted to break me, but, I win.
I honestly don’t know where I would be if not for Dr. Piepmeier and the staff at Yale. For a quarter of my life, I have relied on him as my surgeon, allowing him to use scalpels and God only know what else inside my brain, but he has also been a friend. He has supported me in everything I have done, including rehabilitation, my pursuit of my juris degree, my attempts at the bar exam, supporting my family’s fundraiser and creating a fund at the Yale Brain Tumor Center for us.
The gravity of this morning’s news has not quite sunk in yet, but I know it will. Ever since I was diagnosed and survived, I knew I had a new lease on life, but this news serves as the assurances I have longed for.
I am not a survivor, but rather a warrior. I overcame some very scary days, but I am alive and able to share my story. So, I am going to give back and continue advocating for the cure and fundraising to help the doctors and researchers who saved my life. I would never have imagined that I would take this entire experience and turn it into something good, or into something that I even want to discuss, but it is a cause I care so deeply about. I want to do as much as possible to help find the cure to brain tumors, and bring hope to the warriors battling.
Thank you family and friends for your continued support and reading about my journey – I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for me!
Grey Matters 
You have walked through hell and have come back. Life is strange with its many twists and turns…you have managed to navigate through all of the Adversity and you are now doing great work towards assisting others.
We are proud of you…Mom and Dad
Congratulations. Prayers and love get answered every time!
Chriss your story gives me hope and anticipation that this current nightmare will come to an end. I am battling Stg IV Glioblastoma Multi-form and at this current time, I’m loosing my home due to inability to work. I was head of household and my kids still relied on my income. Attempting to get my life under control is getting harder. I would like some assistance or guidance to procure financial assistance besides the minimal SSI, which is not covering my expenses monthly. Would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you
Thanks for reaching out Vanessa. Are you in Connecticut? Depending on which hospital you are being treated at, you may be eligible for patient assistance funds through the CT Brain Tumor Alliance. Other states likely have similar programs. Feel free to email me with any questions. Hang in there!
Good evening Chriss,
Thank you for responding. I am being treated at Hartford Hospital, and looking for any help I can attain. How do I go about applying for assistance from CTBTA?
You are a warrior indeed, Keep fighting!