My name is Samantha Jane Scolamiero. In 1990 I was a “brain tumor victim”, and for the first few years I felt like a “brain tumor patient.” After bout 5 years I felt I had earned the title “brain tumor survivor.” Now, after more than a decade, I feel lucky to be working on thriving in my life  – not just surviving  – in spite of all the challenges! Based on my own experiences and the many stories of people I have met on the Internet and in person, I believe that everyone who has a brain injury, tumor, or similar neurological disorder is a survivor for his or her lifetime. This newsletter is dedicated to increasing communication among survivors of such brain disorders, their families, caregivers, researchers, and health professionals, and to sharing our concerns with the general public. 

During my own search for information and, more importantly, for support, I founded the Internet-based BRAINTMR mailing list at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1993. Because it became essential to support the volunteers who run this online support group and to address wider concerns, I founded T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST, a nonprofit organization, with dedicated community members whom you can “meet” on our web site and in our newsletters. 

 If you are reading or hearing this sentence, we encourage you to join us in building a healing community. We look forward to acting on your ideas with your help and participation. I hope that you will find useful information contained here, regardless of your personal health concerns. Please share this document with your family, friends, health care team, neurologist, local support group, public or hospital library, and anyone that you think would benefit. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like additional copies!
Thank you all for helping us build greater understanding about brain disorders by communicating about them. As always, ONWARD with courage!

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