After a battle with Testicular Cancer 10 years ago, Brian embraced the saying "GO BIG OR GO HOME!".

Over the past ten years, he has been able to raise thousands of dollars and speak to thousands of people from all walks of life about `my obligation of the cured`. “I have been given a second kick at life and have been living it like everyday could be my last.”

From marathons to Ironmans.....Brian has been challenging himself to do more and more. With this new venture, he hopes to reach as many men and women as possible; to share his story and give them the courage to detect cancer earlier than they would have had they never heard of him.

“It’s a simple process....you can do it yourself!”

To learn more about Brian and his battle with Testicular Cancer: NutsAboutCancer.com

On Nov 18th, 2005, Heather’s only sister Tammy was involved in a very serious motor vehicle accident. She sustained a traumatic brain injury, specifically brain sheering, and was given very little hope in the days that immediately followed the accident. At the time, the doctors caring for Tammy told her family that she would never progress beyond a vegetative state.

Today, Tammy has recovered well beyond what the doctors predicted. She is communicative and continues to make progress with her motor skills. This summer, she enjoyed a vacation spending time in the water, with her kids and singing campfire songs like she did when she was young.

We know very little about the brain and its power to heal. It was with hope and strength that Tammy was given the chance to recover. The challenge Heather feels this venture pales in comparison to the challenges that her sister faces every day. Her hope is to raise awareness about ABI and the need for more public programs that address physical rehabilitation as well as cognitive and behavioural needs.

Testicular Cancer is one of the lesser-known Cancers and affects males between the ages of 15 and 49.

Testicular cancer starts in the cells of a testicle. They are the two egg-shaped organs found at the base of the penis. The testicles are held in the scrotum by the spermatic cord. The spermatic cord contains the ductus deferens, some lymph nodes, veins and nerves.

There are two main types of tumours - seminomas and non-seminomas. Each type grows differently and is treated differently. Both types can be treated successfully

There is no single cause of testicular cancer but some factors seem to increase the risk of developing it:

• Delayed descent of the testicles (if not corrected early)
• Age - particularly between 15 and 49
• Family or personal history of testicular cancer
• Abnormal development of the testicle

All men, from the time they are 15 years old, should learn how to perform testicular self-examination (TSE). This is a simple, pain-free way to check what is normal for your testicles so that you will notice any changes. And you should do it regularly. Early detection of testicular cancer can make a difference in the treatment of the disease.

For detailed instructions on HOW TO perform this test, please click HERE

For more information on Testicular Cancer, please visit the following links:

Canadian Cancer Society > Testicular Cancer

Testicular Cancer on Wikipedia

Testicular Cancer Resource Centre

EM<>COM...A Canadian University Resource Page

Acquired brain injury can occur when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain or by a medical condition (e.g. stroke, anoxia, tumour, virus, infection, metabolic change)

ABI is a broad term that describes a vast array of injuries that occur to the brain. The damage can be focal (confined to one area of the brain) or diffuse (occurs in more than one area of the brain). The severity of a brain injury can range from a mild concussion to a severe injury that results in coma or even death. Acquired brain injuries are also commonly referred to as traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Brain injury can have many impacts. Basically, the brain is a complex system that controls messages being sent to and from the body. Depending on the extent of the injury and the part of the brain affected, a brain injury can affect mobility, vision, hearing, touch and smell as well as cognitive, emotional and social functions.

A brain injury is difficult to understand because often there is no visible sign of the damage that has occurred. When there is no visible wound, it's called a "closed brain injury." A brain injury that results from an obvious wound is called an "open brain injury." Both types of brain injuries may result in what is commonly called a "coma" or "vegetative state." These two terms refer to a loss of consciousness that may persist for varying lengths of time. If the loss of consciousness is brief, lasting only a few minutes, recovery may be nearly complete. When the length of unconsciousness extends to days or weeks, the person is more likely to have problems with physical, thinking, communication, behaviour and emotional skills.

A severe brain injury can result in the loss of movement in legs and arms, leaving many survivors reliant on wheelchairs for mobility. Many survivors are "trapped" inside their bodies and need extensive rehabilitation to relearn basic communication skills, such as talking. But the so-called mild to moderate brain injuries can have devastating personal and social effects. Survivors of these injuries may find it difficult to make basic business and life decisions, interact with others and maintain effective family relationships.

For more information on TBI/ABI please visit the following links:

The Brain Injury Association of Canada

Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA)

BIA Brain Injury

Brain Injury Terms

60 Minutes

The Comeback of a Coma Survivor

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