Hope in Gray

Motivational Monday

Don’t wait for life to be perfect to enjoy it.

Take the trip.
Celebrate the little wins.
Say yes to the things that make you happy.
Spend time with the people you love.
Laugh a little louder.
Take the pictures.
Make the memories.

Life can change in an instant — and that’s exactly why the moments we have right now matter so much.

So here’s your Monday reminder...
Live while you’re living.
Love while you can.
And never stop making room for hope.

⭐️ SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY ⭐️

ConnectSphere Social Network

Hope in Gray had the honor of being ConnectSphere’s Nonprofit of the Month for October, and their support absolutely blew us away.

At their October event, this incredible group of local professionals came together and raised $950 for Hope in Gray!

ConnectSphere is about so much more than exchanging business cards. They’re creating real relationships, supporting local nonprofits, and showing what can happen when businesses come together with a purpose.

To everyone who attended, donated, shared our mission, or simply took the time to learn more about Hope in Gray — thank you. Every dollar raised helps us continue supporting individuals and families impacted by brain cancer.

And a huge thank you to ConnectSphere Social Network for choosing Hope in Gray and giving us the opportunity to share our mission with your community.

Join me next Monday, September 28th, along with Sheli Monacchio from The Dementia Center, as we talk about caregiving a loved one who is experiencing brain changes. Thank you to the Family Resource Center for the invitation to be a part of this meaningful webinar. To register, use the link below.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/890293714370914646

Family Resource Network | Disability Support Across NJ The Dementia Center

Our friends over at GBMRO always share great information. 💛🩶

Not all childhood brain tumors are the same.

A pediatric brain tumor diagnosis can look very different from one child to another. Some tumors grow quickly, while others grow more slowly. Some are cancerous, while others are not. Where the tumor is located can also affect symptoms, treatment options, and the type of care a child may need.

That’s why there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each diagnosis needs careful testing, a personalized treatment plan, and research that helps doctors better understand how different childhood brain tumors behave.

This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re raising awareness for the kids and families facing these complex diagnoses, and for the research needed to create better options.

Source: American Cancer Society

⭐️ Spotlight Sunday ⭐️

This week’s Spotlight Sunday is shining a light on an incredible opportunity for the entire glioblastoma community.

On September 26th, the Glioblastoma Research Organization is hosting its Virtual Glioblastoma Summit — a full day bringing together researchers, physicians, patients, caregivers, families, and advocates from across the GBM community.

The program covers so many important pieces of this journey — from advances in GBM surgery, neuroscience, RNA research, immune response, and emerging treatments to grief support, nonprofit collaboration, patient and caregiver conversations, and the power of hope.

And one of the best parts? It’s completely FREE and open to everyone.

You don’t have to sit in front of your computer all day, either. Look through the schedule, tune in for the sessions that speak to you, and rejoin throughout the day.

For families navigating glioblastoma, information matters. Connection matters. Research matters. And opportunities like this help bring all of those things together.

Register here:https://posh.vip/e/virtual-glioblastoma-summit?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Please share this with anyone in the GBM community who may benefit. Sometimes the right piece of information, the right connection, or simply hearing from someone who understands can make a difference.

🦸‍♂️ Superhero Saturday 🦸‍♂️

One of the things about the glioblastoma community that continues to amaze us is the people you meet along the way.

Last November, we had the opportunity to meet Sal Schito at the Glioblastoma Research Organization Awareness Summit in Miami. Sal lost his wife, Karen, to glioblastoma in October 2024 after a 449-day battle with this devastating disease.

But Karen's story didn't end there.

Sal has made it his mission to keep saying her name, sharing their journey and educating others about glioblastoma.

One of the ways he does that is through Coffee with Karen on TikTok.

Almost every morning, Sal grabs his coffee and shares a little snippet about glioblastoma, something he and Karen experienced during their journey, or information that another patient or family might need to hear.

It's simple. It's personal. And it's incredibly meaningful.

But Sal didn't stop there.

Earlier this year, Sal and his three sons, AJ, Sal Jr. and Gabe, turned their love for Karen into something even bigger by creating Music for a Cure.

Held at Cotton Eyed Joe in Knoxville, Tennessee, the benefit concert brought people together through music while raising awareness and funds for glioblastoma research, with proceeds benefiting the Glioblastoma Research Organization.

What we love most about Sal's story is that he continues to find ways to turn his family's experience into something that may help the next family.

That's what makes Sal our Superhero Saturday.

Sal, thank you for continuing to say Karen's name. Thank you for sharing the hard parts, educating others, raising awareness and reminding families in this community that they aren't walking this road alone.

We're grateful glioblastoma brought our paths together, even though we all wish none of us ever had a reason to meet this way.

Today, grab your coffee and check out Coffee with Karen on TikTok at .

And most importantly, take a moment to remember Karen.

Her story continues every time Sal shares it.

💛✨ For the very first time, the iconic Hard Rock Guitar Hotel will light up GOLD in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month—and we are so excited to invite everyone to come out for this unforgettable evening!
We are incredibly grateful to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood for standing with our precious children and helping us shine a powerful light of hope in honor of our brave Warriors, Survivors and Angels.

📅 Friday, September 25th�⏰ Guitar lighting at 8:00 p.m.�📍 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
🎗️ Cancer families are invited to join us beginning at 7:00 p.m.�Please RSVP to 305.726.1155.

Come watch South Florida’s iconic Guitar Hotel glow GOLD and help us show every child and family affected by childhood cancer that they never fight alone! 💛