Duke University's Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center uses the word HOPE to describe the ANGELS AMONG US 5K & Walk.

Angels Among Us is an aptly named fundraiser that celebrates the life of those that have been touched by a brain tumor. The fundraiser is designed to celebrate life. It is designed to celebrate the strength of those facing a brain tumor and their family and friends. It is designed to celebrate the courage it takes to show up for bloodwork, scans, clinical trials, surgeries, treatments like chemotherapy and/or radiation and to be poked and prodded numerous times in search of good news. It is designed to celebrate the commitment of the patient (and their family and friends) while feeling shocked, overwhelmed, numb, discouraged, and hopeless.

Hopeless is not a term we throw around very often in my circle. 

I had brain surgery on Christmas Eve, 2015. On January 6th, 2016, I received the pathology report. I was diagnosed with a grade 4 Glioblastoma. I was told if I participated in the standard care of treatment, I had between 10 and 16 months to live. While others in the room were pale and sobbing (understandably!), I looked at all of them and said, in a very calm voice, "God will take care of me. I am hungry and there is a Chick-fil-a downstairs." I knew at that moment that God put me in the exact place I was meant to be and that was the Brain Tumor Center at Duke. 

I underwent 6 weeks of daily chemotherapy (Temodar) and daily radiation concurrently. I lost over a quarter of my hair (from radiation) and was exhausted from what the combination of both treatments were doing to my body. In March of 2016, I began my clinical trial, Elevate, at Duke. I continued with 5 days of chemo a month until May of 2017. My clinical trial also concluded during the summer of 2017. 

On December 24th, 2024 I celebrated NINE YEARS from surgery!

Was I scared sometimes? Yes. Was I nervous about treatment? Of course. Was I overwhelmed and anxious? Certainly. 

Was I hopeless? Never. I knew the good Lord led me to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University for a reason. I am alive NINE years later to share my story and to hopefully be an inspiration to those that are facing the same challenges. I am still here and I thank the good Lord everyday for life. I am blessed by the support and engagement I have received these past nine years.  I am thankful for my family, friends, Duke, and of course God. 

God works in mysterious ways. Last year, on January 6th, 2024, I went out on a first date with a remarkable man named Mark. On September 14th, 2024, Mark and I got engaged. I will also have the opportunity to be a bonus mother to his sweet son, Henry.  

This fundraiser is designed to celebrate the remarkable lives of those facing this incorrigible and devastating diagnosis. 

So many times, people say that cancer is a battle. Cancer is not a battle. Cancer is not a war with opposing forces. People don't lose to cancer if they die. Instead, people beat cancer by how they live their lives. This fundraiser is an incredible way to honor those people.

All proceeds raised from Angels Among Us go directly towards research and clinical trials of brain and spinal tumors at The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. The money is used to find important initiatives that address the greatest needs and have the biggest impact on the lives of all brain tumor patients, support new and innovative research and treatments, assist with the recruitment of the most outstanding research staff and personnel, and purchase essential equipment and supplies.

Every little bit counts. Please consider joining and donating to my team. We would love to have you "Stroll for Nicole" with us on April 26th, 2025.

Together, we can make a difference. At Duke...there is HOPE.

For any questions or concerns, please contact:

Nicole

na.mcguinness@gmail.com

252.670.5951