“Team Simon Strong” Raises Brain Tumor Awareness Gliablastoma multiforme, radiation, chemo, apherisis, mediport, stem cells, oncology, Seidman, clinical trial – these words were pretty foreign to Andy Simon and his wife, Amy, until a few months ago when Andy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Andy was diagnosed on a Monday in November and underwent surgery to remove the tumor on Friday, and Andy rings the bell after now these words are part of the completing his radiation Simons’ lives, 24/7. treatments. “The tumor came out of nowhere,” Amy, told us. “Andy led a healthy lifestyle and was at an optimal weight. She paused before adding, “And this is not genetic.” The diagnosis of a brain tumor doesn't have to be a death sentence,” Andy told us. “You can still go on.” In spite of his treatments, Andy keeps a positive attitude and recognizes there is hope. Prior to his diagnosis, Andy hadn't missed a day of work in 30 years. Although he’s missed some work in the past few months, he told us that following surgery, he was in ICU for fewer than 24 hours, was Race Details: back to running two weeks later, and really didn’t need rehab. BT5K 2016: Columbus As a result of Andy’s diagnosis, June 4, 2016 the Simons have been doing some Arch Park McFerson research about brain tumors and Commons Park are taking action to raise funds and 218 West Street awareness about this condition. Columbus, Ohio In June, Andy, along with family Start Time: 9 am and friends, will participate in the BT5K Breakthrough for Brain You can learn more about the Tumors Run & Walk, the American American Brain Tumor Brain Tumor Association’s national Association at www.abta.org. signature fundraising event. To date, 228 teams are formed in 8 cities, including Columbus, the home base for “Team Simon Strong.” We encourage the community to join in, either by participating or making a donation,” Amy said. “Donations not only support braintumor patients and their families, but also provide for breakthrough research to improve, extend and ultimately save lives.” “Thank you in advance for your support of my efforts on behalf of brain-tumor patients, their families, and the researchers’ pursuing the breakthroughs,” Andy added. “If we can help other people, that's what it’s all about.” May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Please support the Simons in their efforts by making a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association. To sign up for the race or make a donation, visit www. bt5K.org, click on Columbus, donate, search by team, then Team Simon Strong. Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life The lungs are one of the most important organs in the human body. When they stop working efficiently or become diseased, you may feel tired and breathless, or even experience chest pain. Untreated, some lung disorders can lead to disability or even death. But you can learn how to manage your risk factors and keep your lungs healthy at the next Health Matters talk on March 8. The topic is “Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life.” Like the rest of your body, your lungs need daily care and attention. Breathing feeds Like the rest of your oxygen to every cell in the body. Without body, your lungs sufficient oxygen, people are more prone to need daily care and health problems, including respiratory illnesses, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attention. Breathing (COPD) and heart disease. feeds oxygen to There is no charge to attend Health Matters every cell in the body. events, but space is limited and reservations are required. To register, call 216.767.8435 Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm or go to UHhospitals.org/ HealthMatters. Join your neighborhood experts on the second Wednesday of each month for these health-minded talks, which are held at the same 9 UH locations – UH Ahuja Medical Center, UH Bedford Medical Center, UH Conneaut Medical Center, UH Elyria Medical Center, UH Geauga Medical Center, UH Geneva Medical Center, UH Parma Medical Center, UH Portage Medical Center and UH Richmond Medical Center. Coming up on April 12 is “Stroke Prevention.” Since up to 80% of strokes can be prevented it’s crucial to know the simple steps that can lower your risk. Participate in the conversation on social media using #UHHealthMatters. Suburban Symphony Orchestra Presents A Look Forward – The Annual Young Soloists Concerto Concert Martin Kessler, Music Director On March 13 at 3:30 pm, Suburban Symphony Orchestra will present A Look Forward – The Annual Young Soloists Concerto Concert, at Conway Hall, University School Shaker Campus, 20701 Brantley Road, Shaker Heights. Canton Symphony assistant conductor Rachel Waddell will make her SSO debut in the Suburban Symphony Orchestra’s annual Young Soloists Concerto Concert. Two featured soloists this year are Matthew Fields playing the first movement from Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Katsuaki Arakawa playing the first movement from Lalo’s Cello Concerto. Both are members of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra. The concert starts with a modern piece by Jennifer Higdon, titled Blue Cathedral, and ends with Tchaikovsky’s second symphony, known as the “Little Russian,” from his use of Ukrainian folk songs within the piece. Visit www.suburbansymphony.org for more details. All concerts are free and open to the public. March 2016 n Beachwood Buzz 13