United Against Brain Tumors | Pacific Neuroscience Institute and Providence Saint John’s Host May Awareness Events

Pacific Neuroscience Institute and Providence Saint John’s observe Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Our Go Gray in May events include classes to help manage stress, boost energy levels, relieves pain, strengthen resilience and reflection through writing.

SANTA MONICA (May 8, 2023) – Her doctor thought it might be a severe sinus infection, but antibiotics didn’t help. Then, Van Nessa Manlunas felt that soft bump on her left cheek that sent pain shooting into her head.

Fast forward two years and Manlunas is in remission from cancer that had spread silently from her cheek toward her brain.

She still can’t shake the fatigue left by surgeries, grueling rounds of chemo and seemingly endless radiation treatments, but she’s determined to take part in Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI) and Providence Saint John’s Health Center’s #GoGrayinMay to advocate for others like herself who have been diagnosed with brain tumors and feel unseen, overshadowed and alone.  

The event falls during Brain Tumor Awareness Month, recognized each May to recognize and honor the resiliency of patients and their loved ones. PNI is offering a series of educational, informative and fun events for brain tumor patients and their care partners to come together and interact, socialize, ask questions, gather new information and share their experiences.

Now in remission, Manlunas remembers feeling isolated despite the love and attentiveness of friends and family. Through a support group for brain tumor patients that was formed by neuro-oncologist Akanksha Sharma, MD, she is embracing the peace and camaraderie of having new friends who share her experiences. And she is helping the doctor with decorations for the upcoming Go Gray in May events.

Her cancer journey began when she saw Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, a surgeon who specializes in the eye, ear and skull base. Concerned about the pain that shot from her cheek and into her skull, he ordered an immediate CT scan. The imaging showed a tumor that had spread from her cheek, behind her eyeball and to the outside of her brain.

It was Dr. Shama who diagnosed Manlunas’s Ewing sarcoma, a cancer that occurs primarily in the bone or soft tissue. Her tumor had grown close to her eye and her brain so Dr. Sharma recommended shrinking it through a type of chemotherapy so powerful patients must be hospitalized. Surgery followed, and then more chemo followed by radiation and still more chemo. She’s cancer-free today, but still faces surgery to repair the back of her mouth. Bone from her tibia was used to repair her cheek.

A cinematographer, she hasn’t been able to return to work yet, but concentrates on what she can do for others. She’s spent time planning for the Go Gray in May activities. She’s helped Dr. Sharma with decorations and is looking into setting up a photo booth for some events and sharing the photos on Instagram.

“There’s not a lot of community awareness of brain tumors and brain cancer,” she said. “Brain cancer, it’s very scary. I felt very alone even though I had an immense amount of support. You just feel very singled out. I didn’t want to talk about it to anyone.”

The support group gave her a “breath of relief.” Manlunas now wants to talk about her ordeal in hopes of helping other patients and their families.

Go Gray in May events at PNI and Providence Saint John’s include classes to help manage stress, boost energy levels, relieves pain, strengthen resilience and reflection through writing. Support group meetings and a session with care partners to share ideas also are planned. The month of observances and activities will culminate at 1 p.m. May 31 with the annual Awareness Walk around the hospital grounds.

Adapted from a press release by Providence Southern California.

---

Pacific Brain Tumor Center

The Pacific Brain Tumor Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment and supportive care for brain tumor patients and their families.

Our clinical trials and research are critical components in understanding and treating brain cancer. Named in the top 1% of neuro-oncologists and neurologists in the nation, Santosh Kesari, MD, PhD, Director of Neuro-oncology, is currently leading numerous clinical trials for glioblastoma and glioma, chordoma, and metastatic brain tumors.

Learn more about PNI’s Pacific Brain Tumor Center.

More information: 310-582-7450

About Dr. Mehdizadeh

Omid B. Mehdizadeh, MD, is an Otolaryngology, and Head & Neck (ENT) surgeon. Working with colleagues in the Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, his particular expertise is in voice, swallowing and throat conditions (laryngology).

About Dr. Akanksha Sharma

Akanksha Sharma, MD, is board certified in neurology, neuro-oncology, and palliative medicine. She is experienced in the treatment of primary/metastatic brain tumors, neurological complications of cancer, and disease-related burdens and symptoms. Her clinical and research interests lie in helping patients maximize their time and quality of life. She aims to align treatment with patient goals and to provide holistic care that includes careful symptom assessment and management, as well as support for the patient’s loved ones.

Useful Links:

• Pacific Brain Tumor Center
• Brain Tumor Resources
• Find a Doctor
• Supportive Care Clinic
• Brain Tumor Treatment Locations

---

Related Articles