after being diagnosed as having a gliablastoma multiforme grade 4 malignant brain tumor.
At the time, radiation, chemo, apherisis, mediport, stem cells, oncology and a Seidman
2, 2015 diagnosis, Simon underwent surgery, chemo and radiation and these words became a part
of their everyday lives, 24/7.
a healthy lifestyle and was at an
optimal weight."
prior to his diagnosis and after
seeing Amy's weight-loss suc-
cess, Andy went on Omnitrition,
pany that Amy was sold on and
now represents as her full-time
position. While on the program,
Andy lost 52 pounds, increased
his exercise routine and learned
an entirely new way of eating,
all of which were positive factors
while undergoing treatment.
doesn't have to be a death sen-
tence," Andy told us. This is the
message he wants to communi-
cate and is one that he will glad-
ly talk about to individuals who
have been newly diagnosed.
amazing medical team at Univer-
sity Hospitals, Team Simon has
been rallying on his behalf and
today, Andy gratefully wears the
same smile that he's worn since
first being diagnosed.
wake up each day with this
belief," Andy told us. Prior to his
diagnosis, he hadn't missed a
day's work in 30 years. Follow-
ing his surgery, he was in ICU
for fewer than 24 hours, and
was up and running two weeks
later, not really needing rehab.
The worst thing he recalls from
his past year's experiences was
researching his condition on the
Internet something that he did
with skepticism. What he found
humbled him as the reality of his
brain-tumor diagnosis sunk in.
Simon Strong and participated
in the BT5K Breakthrough for
Brain Tumors Run & Walk, the
American Brain Tumor Associa-
tion's national signature fund-
raising event, at which "Team
Simon Strong" raised $12,000.
And now, grateful to be cancer
free, Andy will continue to raise
awareness about brain tumors
by sending out the message that
he's willing to talk with people
who face the same diagnosis.
diagnosis is more common than
I would have believed," Andy told
us. "If we can raise awareness and
help other people stay positive
while undergoing treatment,
that's what it's all about."
headaches. He told us that he
remembers crying after surgery
because he was afraid, even
though the entire tumor had
been removed. The fear was
short lived though, and his pos-
itive attitude returned when he
and Amy had an `aha!' moment,
both believing he was "going to
have to kick cancer's ass."
growth hormone shots to build
up his stem cells. In the pro-
cess, all blood was removed,
stem cells separated and blood
returned. The stem cells were
then treated with a gene that
allowed for higher doses of
chemo. Although Andy was
tired, he never felt down and
out. Not spiritual by nature,
he was nevertheless always
grateful and accepted prayers
from others.
to Cleveland's sports teams!"