Much of the news in late summer was devoted to extolling Senator John McCain, who died on August 25 following a yearlong battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. McCain had lingering health complications from physical abuse he endured during the five and a half years he was held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He persevered with an astonishing resilience that made him an American hero. He showed the same fighting spirit after he became ill in July 2017.
Resilient people like John McCain do not let adversity define them. They adapt to unfortunate circumstances such as a new diagnosis and transcend pain and grief. I recently saw a patient who was so ill that she was placed in hospice care after a prolonged hospitalization. Her doctors told her she had only weeks to live, yet I saw her almost a year later in stable health and good spirits after she discharged herself and fired all of her doctors. Over the years, I have seen many patients and caregivers in my practice who adapt well following adversity. Some even emerge with a new mission.
In the same spirit, this month's issue brings you stories about several remarkable individuals who successfully coped with a neurologic diagnosis and found hope in the process. In Pictures of You, we profile Susan Cruz, who was training to be a professional dancer until she was diagnosed with epilepsy. She had to take a medical leave from college because of worsening seizures, and she struggled with weight gain, a consequence of her seizure medication. She is now focused on a new goal: teaching ballet to children.
In our Healthy Living department, we introduce you to Tamirra Stewart, a former figure skater who sustained a fall that caused a severe traumatic brain injury. After considerable physical therapy she was able to return to college, and eventually discover a new calling in ballroom dancing.
Caregivers also experience trauma and loss when a neurologic diagnosis affects a family member or dear friend. In our Caregiving story, you'll meet Trish Flanagan, whose 6-year-old daughter has a rare genetic mutation and is non-verbal. After searching for the right support group, she co-founded The Yellow Brick Road Project, a nonprofit group that seeks to raise awareness of and find a cure for genetic conditions like her daughter's.
You'll also hear about Saba Shahid who created The Art Cart, a creativity and movement workshop series, in 2014. The curriculum is designed to encourage creativity and improve dexterity for people with Parkinson's disease and other neurologic conditions. Shahid's own mother-in-law died from complications of Parkinson's at age 55. Then there is Mindy Scheier, who was inspired to create the Runway of Dreams Foundation, a nonprofit group that hosts symposiums on adaptive design, after her 8-year-old son, Oliver, born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, came home from school and asked to wear jeans. Hear more about her and others in our Wellness section.
Finally, in our cover story, you'll learn that Mayim Bialik, who plays a neurobiologist on The Big Bang Theory, is dedicated to inspiring girls to consider science as a career. She, herself, has a PhD in neuroscience, and hopes that more women will enter the field. I could not agree more.
At the American Academy of Neurology, efforts have never been greater to support scholarship and leadership in women. With both genders working equally in neuroscience, I hope we can escalate the quest for cures.
Until that time, I wish you resilience and strength as you manage your neurologic condition.
Orly Avitzur, MD, MBA, FAAN, Editor-in-Chief