12/04/2024
Who am l?
In short terms, I'm a fellow Kaniac, and in slightly longer terms:
My name is Samantha, Sammy to my friends. I live in Birmingham, England, and I have 2 grown up boys who I love more than anything. I’m disabled, which is something that's taken quite a few years to be able to accept and say out loud.
I am a huge sci-fi fan; Stargate SG-1, Firefly, The Librarians, & Supernatural are among my absolute favourites.
I’m also a crafter, I love making gifts and cards for people.
I adore music of all kinds, from Reggae & Pop to RnB & Country; I play what feeds my soul. Music is how I express myself, especially because I sometimes struggle to find the right words myself to say out loud.
Why am I doing this?
I honestly thought it would be a fun thing to do and it's also a thank you for me being able to be here. This is the first OMS I get to attend; I had to wait years to be well enough for this one.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and although it was horrific, after 3 brain operations and a ton of complications, I was given the all clear. However, it left me a changed person. If it wasn’t for Brainstrust, a small UK brain tumour charity that punches above its weight, I’m not sure I would be anywhere near being able to talk to people now, let alone go out and have any kind of life. The doctors told me I would have to be monitored for 10 years, but I could continue to recover at home while learning to adapt to my new normal.
Unfortunately in 2021, just 5 short years later, I was given the news that my brain tumour was back. This time I needed Radiotherapy, in hopes that it would stop the tumour growth. l was told that now it was back, with my health, history, and age, it was likely not to be the last, so now l’m learning to live with my new tumour while it's regularly monitored, fearing I might get the news it’s growing again or that another one has decided to move in. l refuse to give in, though, and with the help of Brainstrust I try to make sure I’m doing all I can to not let it rule my life while also trying to spread the word about Brain Tumours & help other people who have been diagnosed with them.
Can you help?
Yes, of course you can, in fact you already are!
Just continue to support the charities being helped here this weekend at OMS 6 by buying your ticket. Being here, you’ve done so much already & everything you do this weekend will help a lot of people. If you are curious about Brain tumours specifically, check out www.brainstrust.org.uk
It’s the amazing charity that supports me along with so many others here in the U.K. They offer everything from Brain boxes, which go out to newly diagnosed people with a bunch of information and support options, to an amazing coaching service to help you take control of your brain tumour journey.
Where can I get my gift bag?
I’ll be giving out the gift bags before the closing ceremony at around 6pm when the main hall doors open. Don’t worry if you get there a little late, I will hand out the rest after the closing ceremony before the meet and greet starts. Just don’t forget your duck!
What's inside my gift bag?
Inside there are some sweets, stickers, photo props, a handmade keyring and a friendship bracelet. I have tried to do a range of different styles and sizes but I understand everyone has different tastes, so please, if you don’t like your bracelet, swap it with a friend or give it away to someone else who didn’t get a gift bag. I don’t mind, honestly!
Lastly, I’d just like to say I really hope you like this little gift bag. I worked really hard on them, deciding what goes in them and sourcing the best place to get the individual bits and pieces. I also made all of the beaded bracelets and keyrings myself which, with a tremor, is not an easy thing to do, but has been totally worthwhile as I really enjoyed it.
Take Care, have fun, and I hope you have an amazing OMS6!
-Sammy
Home brainstrust are a UK based brain tumour charity providing personalised support to people with a brain tumour and their loved ones.
