The National Brain Tumor Society’s (NBTS) annual event in Washington D.C., Head to the Hill, brings together hundreds of volunteer advocates from dozens of states to raise awareness of the issues, needs and priorities of the brain tumor community.

Two Pell City residents are traveling to the capital for Head to the Hill 2017 during National Brain Cancer Awareness Month on May 8-9. They are the event’s first two representatives from Alabama.

The journey began almost three years ago.

In August 2014, Lori Junkins of Pell City had a nagging headache that wouldn’t go away. Finally, her pain became extreme and included ringing in her ears. She went to a local urgent care facility, but the doctors were not very concerned since she didn’t present any other symptoms. When she didn’t improve, Lori went in to see her own doctor, who ordered a CAT scan. Then she heard what no one wants to hear—there was a tumor. Lori was immediately referred to a neurologist.

Within days, Lori had brain surgery to remove the tumor and received a confirmed diagnosis of anaplastic ependymoma, a type of malignant brain cancer. Because of the rarity of this type of cancer, Lori went to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas for a second opinion and treatment. Lori’s tumor was a Grade 3, the highest for this type of cancer. The doctors at M.D. Anderson immediately started radiation treatment, and Lori started down a path she never expected to walk.

Lori said that, as a Christian, she believes without the slightest doubt, that God is holding her, including her cancer, in the palm of His hand. She added that she never asked, “Why me?” when she found out about the cancer. Instead, she said, “Why not me?” and then she told me how very thankful she was and is for the gift this cancer has been.

Cancer, a gift? Are you kidding me?

When I asked how, she smiled and began to tell me. She started by talking about the hundreds of people who prayed for her, who sent her cards and texts and emails and encouraged her. Then she told me about the birthday celebration her sister had for her when she came home from Texas. They called it a “Celebration of Life.”

Laughing, but with tears, Lori told me, “A Celebration of Life doesn’t usually happen until the person dies. I was able to see all these friends and family and hear them celebrate me and their love for me. How can that not be a gift?”

Lori said her perspective on what’s important has changed drastically since she was diagnosed with cancer. She sees family and friends for the priceless treasure they are. She also sees the career she had in a different light and knows there are much better ways to invest 60 hours a week. She added those are some of the things that came from her “gift.”

She just passed the test to become a Realtor and will be able to work around her step-daughter Amelia’s schedule—another gift.

As part of NBTS’ Head to the Hill 2017, Lori and Amelia will be urging our representatives in the Senate and the House to protect and expand funding for the vital research programs needed to find a cure for brain cancer. 

As my time with this remarkable woman was coming to a close, I asked her how she and her family were coping with such an uncertain future.

She smiled again and said, “Everyone’s future is uncertain. We aren’t promised tomorrow.” However, she added that her husband John, their kids and she herself take each day as it comes and value it for the wonderful gift it is.

Find more information on NBTS’ Head to the Hill 2017 in Washington D.C. May 8-9 under the “Advocate for Change” tab on braintumor.org.

Rita Aiken Moritz is the recent recipient of Poet of the Year 2017 from the Alabama State Poetry Society (ASPS). She is the president and founder of Writers Anonymous. Check out her blog, books or get in touch at www.ritamoritz.com.