In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman interviews Steve Donie, a meningioma survivor who shares his journey from diagnosis to recovery. Steve discusses his life before the diagnosis, the symptoms he experienced, and the emotional impact of receiving the news. He reflects on the changes in his career and personal life, the support systems that helped him cope, and how he found resilience in the face of adversity. Steve also shares the significance of a 3D printed model of his tumor and how he has created meaning from his experience, ultimately looking forward to new aspirations in life.

Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com for details.

Resources

Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms

Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources

Connect with Rewired Minds

Website: rewired-minds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod

Instagram: @rewiredmindspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds

Connect with Steve Donie

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.con/in/stevedonie

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request.

Disclaimer

The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman interviews Kelly Glover, a nurse navigator at the Brain Tumor Network (BTN). They discuss Kelly's personal journey as a cancer survivor and her passion for helping patients navigate the complexities of brain tumor diagnoses. The conversation covers the origin of BTN, its personalized navigation services, and the importance of community support. Kelly emphasizes the need for advocacy in improving access to care and clinical trials, and they explore the future aspirations of BTN in expanding its reach and resources for patients. The episode highlights the significance of empowering patients and fostering a sense of hope within the brain tumor community.

Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com for details.

Resources

Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms

Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources

Connect with Rewired Minds

Website: rewired-minds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod

Instagram: @rewiredmindspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds

Connect with Brain Tumor Network

Website: braintumornetwork.org

Phone: 844-286-6110

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braintumornetwork 

Instagram: @braintumornetwork

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/braintumornetwork 

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request.

Disclaimer

The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman speaks with Michelle, a primary caregiver for her mother who battled glioblastoma. Michelle shares her emotional journey through caregiving, the challenges of navigating grief, and the importance of self-care. Michelle emphasizes the need for caregivers to advocate for themselves and their loved ones while finding joy amidst sorrow.

• Michelle was the primary caregiver for her mother diagnosed with glioblastoma.
• The caregiving journey is filled with emotional challenges and growth.
• Family support plays a crucial role in caregiving.
• Self-care is essential for caregivers to maintain their well-being.
• Finding joy and laughter is important even in difficult times.
• Advocacy for oneself and the patient is vital in healthcare.
• Connecting with the brain tumor community can provide support and understanding.
• Grief is a personal journey that evolves over time.
• Volunteering and helping others can be therapeutic for caregivers.
• Open communication about feelings is necessary for emotional health.

Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com for details.

Resources

Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms

Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources

Connect with Rewired Minds

Website: rewired-minds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod

Instagram: @rewiredmindspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds

Connect with Michelle Strubeck

Email: [email protected]

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request.

Disclaimer

The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

Deandra Mayer had been living with migraines since she was 13, never imagining they were connected to something growing in her brain. A job in the medical field led her to a doctor who ordered an MRI. What followed was a five year gap, a lost referral, and a diagnosis that would change everything at 28 years old. When the first neurosurgeon told her she had 5-8 years to live, it was her mother who refused to accept that answer and found someone who would operate. Today Deandra is cancer free, traveling to France and Greece, and building the future she always dreamed of.

• Migraines since age 13 were never investigated until a physician she worked with suggested an MRI
• A lesion was found in 2019 but a follow up referral was lost during COVID
• Sharp pain behind her eye occurring four days in a row brought her to the ER in May 2025
• Diagnosed with a grade II astrocytoma at 28 years old
• First neurosurgeon gave 5-8 years to live and said the tumor was inoperable
• Her mother sought a second opinion at the Montreal Neurological Institute, which changed everything
• Second neurosurgeon removed 99% of the tumor using an AI-powered handheld probe called Sentry
• A second craniotomy removed the remaining 1%, leaving her cancer free
• Now taking Voracidinib daily as part of a clinical trial with minimal side effects
• Pursued fertility preservation before starting long term medication
• Positivity and "Team D" carried her through the hardest moments

Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients donate to a cause in exchange for a session. 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. Every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. coachingforcauses.com

Resources

Common medical terms: rewired-minds.com/terms

Brain tumor organizations: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources

Connect with Rewired Minds

Website: rewired-minds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod

Instagram: @rewiredmindspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds

Connect with Deandra Mayer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deandra.mayer

Instagram: @Deandra_K3lly

Be a Guest

Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information.

Disclaimer

The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

Ryan Neal was five years old when a family dog named Casey pawed him awake in the middle of the night and that moment set off a chain of events that would define the next 30 years of his life. What followed was a misdiagnosis, a pioneering surgeon, and a near-miraculous shift from a malignant astrocytoma to a non-malignant DNET overnight. But surviving wasn't the end of Ryan's story, it was just the beginning of a life built on radical gratitude. Now an almost 30-year survivor, keynote speaker, and musician, Ryan shares how facing the worst at five years old gave him a framework for handling everything that came after.

• A family dog's instinct may have been the first sign something was wrong
• A mother's persistence made all the difference
• Dr. Alexa Canady, the first African-American female neurosurgeon in U.S. history, performed Ryan's surgery
• Overnight reclassification from astrocytoma grade 2 to non-malignant DNET changed his entire treatment path
• Ryan has lived with a pineal cyst since age 8 with no growth
• Sudden hearing loss in his left ear at age 10, completely unrelated to his tumor
• Childhood medical experiences eliminated adult health anxiety
• Gratitude as a daily practice, not just a feeling
• Survivor's guilt as a motivator, not just a burden
• Brain tumor journey evolved into a keynote speaking and music career

Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com for details.

Resources

Common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms

Brain tumor organizations: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources

Connect with Rewired Minds

Website: rewired-minds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod

Instagram: @rewiredmindspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds

Connect with Ryan Neal

Website: ryannealmusic.com 

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request.

Disclaimer

The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Kim Lachut delves into the emotional and psychological challenges she faced as she watched her father decline due to a glioblastoma diagnosis and treatment. Our convesation highlights the unexpected behaviors that arise, the frustration of navigating medical advice, and the profound impact on family dynamics. Kim also vulnerably shares about her experience with depression after her father’s death and how she got to a much better place today.

• Instead of seeing signs of getting better, we saw the decline.
• He would have weird seizures.
• My dad was not an angry man, never got angry.
• My husband and my brother had to physically lift him out of the chair.
• He was just cussing and angry.
• This just isn't right.
• You're calling the doctors going, this happened, is this normal?
• There's nothing normal with this disease.
• Anything and everything you should expect.

Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com for details.

Resources

Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms

Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources

Connect with Rewired Minds

Website: rewired-minds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod

Instagram: @rewiredmindspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds

Connect with Kim Lachut

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-lachut-39833912a/

Email: [email protected]

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request.

Disclaimer

The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

Cindy Eich, board chair of the Kendall Nicole Eich Foundation, shares about the foundation's origins, the lessons learned from Kendall's journey with glioblastoma, and the importance of providing emotional and financial support to brain cancer patients. They discuss the challenges of building a foundation while grieving, the significance of community, and the future aspirations of the foundation to expand its reach and impact.

• Kendall was a five-year survivor of glioblastoma.
• The foundation was formed to honor Kendall's legacy.
• Grief can complicate the process of foundation building.
• The foundation focuses on financial support.
• Patients often experience shock after a diagnosis.
• Memory-making experiences are essential for patients.
• The foundation aims to connect with patients early in their journey.
• Cindy believes in the potential for discoveries in brain cancer research.

Resources

Common medical terms related to brain tumors: rewired-minds.com/terms

Brain tumor organizations: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources

Connect with Rewired Minds

Coaching for Causes: coachingforcauses.com

Website: rewired-minds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod

Instagram: @rewiredmindspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds

Connect with the Kendall Nicole Eich Foundation

Website: lovegoesfurther.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knefoundation/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knefoundation/# 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Kendall-Nicole-Eich-foundation 

Coaches of high school or college teams looking for a positive activity in the off season should consider Kendall's Challenge. Not all patients are able to use their second gift to pursue a goal. Whatever they need is what we want to provide. If you would like to learn more about our story, find Love Goes Further on Amazon.

Be a Guest

Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request.

Disclaimer

The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

In this episode, Theresa Harju, spouse of brain tumor survivor Alec Harju, shares her unique perspective as a caregiver. She discusses the challenges and emotional toll of navigating the medical journey alongside her husband. The conversation explores their life before the diagnosis, the impact of surgery and recovery, and the complexities of managing caregiving responsibilities while raising a young family. Theresa also touches on topics such as fertility and medical gaslighting, emphasizing the importance of seeking second opinions. The episode highlights the resilience of families facing such challenges and the journey towards finding a new normal.

• Navigating the medical system requires persistence and organization.
• Awake surgery allows doctors to assess brain function in real-time.
• The emotional impact of losing abilities is profound.
• Caregiving responsibilities can strain personal identity.
• Fertility discussions are important but often overlooked.
• Medical gaslighting can occur, and seeking second opinions is vital.
• Finding a new normal takes time and adjustment.

Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com for details.

Resources

Common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms

Brain tumor organizations: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources

Connect with Rewired Minds

Website: rewired-minds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod

Instagram: @rewiredmindspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds

Connect with Theresa Harju

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omgitistheresa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yagurltheresa

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokinwiththeresa

Be a Guest

Visit rewired-minds.com/guest to submit your request.

Disclaimer

The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

Alec Harju shares his personal journey of recovery following surgery, discussing the challenges he faced and the impact on his family, particularly his two young children. The conversation delves into the emotional and mental aspects of healing, highlighting the importance of family support during difficult times.

• Recovery can be a foggy experience immediately after surgery.
• Having young children adds complexity to the recovery process.
• Conversations with family during recovery are crucial.
• Mental health plays a significant role in physical recovery.
• Children may not fully understand the situation but feel its impact.
• Every recovery journey is unique and personal.

Resources

Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms

Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources

Connect with Rewired Minds

Website: rewired-minds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod

Instagram: @rewiredmindspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds

Connect with Alec Harju

Website: https://www.facebook.com/alec.harju

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request.

Disclaimer

The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman speaks with Nola Hynes, a brain tumor survivor who shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery. Nola discusses her initial optimism upon being diagnosed with a meningioma, the challenges she faced during treatment, and the impact on her family life. She reflects on the importance of communication with her children, the struggles of dealing with cognitive decline, and her eventual path to recovery through advocacy and community building. Nola emphasizes the need for support and understanding among those affected by brain tumors and the importance of sharing experiences to foster healing and resilience.

• Nola's journey began with a diagnosis of meningioma in 2019.
• She initially felt optimistic, believing it was the best type of brain tumor.
• The recurrence of her tumor less than six months later led to significant challenges in her daily life.
• Nola experienced cognitive decline and feelings of dementia post-treatment and leverage psychedelics to help her recover.
• She struggled with how to communicate her health issues to her children.
• Nola's perspective on life changed, focusing more on family and less on career aspirations.
• She found humor and resilience in her experiences, using dark humor to cope.
• Nola is passionate about advocacy for brain tumor awareness and support.
• She aims to create community spaces for those affected by brain tumors.
• Nola believes in the power of shared experiences to aid recovery.

Resources

Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms

Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources

Connect with Rewired Minds

Website: rewired-minds.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod

Instagram: @rewiredmindspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds

Connect with Nole Hynes

Email: [email protected] 

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request.

Disclaimer

The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.