Beacon of Hope for those in the Cancer Community
Sheryl Bluestein has walked the path so many of us have experienced. Her father was diagnosed with a GBM and she began to look for answers and support. She discovered the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation’s Race for Research as a way to show her support for the brain tumor community. From there she became a volunteer and then a member of the Board of Directors. This is her story about her experience with her father’s brain tumor and the SBTF.
“It was 2005 when we attended our first 5K event which benefitted brain cancer research. I found the fifth annual Race For Research was being held in Atlanta and formed Team Big Daddy in honor of my Dad, Neil Marbach. I just graduated from UGA and was working for a healthcare consulting company when my dad was diagnosed during a visit to Winship Cancer Institute after having several seizures. I remember the doctor’s words clearly, “it’s treatable but not curable.” The diagnosis hit my family hard. I was in my 20’s and needed to know more about Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Brain tumor patient resources and in depth knowledge about the diagnosis weren’t as readily available then, as they are now.
My Dad was very sick and facing a life-threatening illness, so I moved back home and did what I could to help care for him but it didn’t feel like it was ever enough. There had to be more that I could do. During this time, we attended the southeastern brain tumor foundation support group meetings and met other patients and caregivers who were facing the same battle. This group offered unwavering support, resources and hope. At that time, the foundation was seeking individuals to serve on the Board of Directors, which at the time consisted of 12 unpaid volunteers who all had been impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis. As a side note, I was subsequently elected to serve on the SBTF Board of Directors and served in various capacities for twelve years.
My dad courageously battled brain cancer for 18 months undergoing brain surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and gamma knife treatment. We ultimately decided on hospice care and I was by his side when he took his last breath. Just hours before, I had received a call about an interview for administrative fellowship program at Emory Healthcare – a job I had been working towards while getting my masters degree in health administration and business administration. At that time, I was able to tell my dad that I would work for Emory one day and help patients battling cancer. I am confident he heard me. I recently celebrated by 17th work anniversary with Emory and am now the Sr. VP for Winship Cancer Institute where I am able to help patients like my dad access the services necessary to fight cancer. “
That was 17 years ago and her Dad has continued to watch over her. He’s also allowed Sheryl to become a beacon of hope for others in the cancer community. “In my current role as Senior Vice President Cancer Service Line, for Emory, Winship Cancer Center, I oversee operations of Winship Cancer Institute and work closely with physicians, administration, and researchers”
Sheryl is beyond humble and, in our opinion, has moved mountains in the brain tumor community. She is, and continues to be, a voice for all cancer patients, and brain tumor patients hold a special place in her heart.
SBTF disclosures: Sheryl Bluestein also served on the SBTF Board of Directors from 2007 through 2015 and has been an amazing advocate.