New beginnings

As I have become more involved in the Brain Tumor community I have noticed how little research and awareness there is. As someone who works with disabled individuals I feel compelled to do something about this. I talked to people in the BT community about rehab services. I am shocked to see how little people know of what they can get to help them. When I was at a brain tumor conference a few months ago all the disciplines of rehab presented expect for speech. When I questioned the neurologists about this they seemed confused, explaining that SLPs mainly work with head and neck cancer patients. Overall there is little awareness of what SLPs do. I cannot even count how many people, who are close to me, have no idea what I do for a living. Many assume I help correct lisps. When people find out the I work with many non-verbal children they are really confused. Lets not get into the crazy looks I get when I say I do feeding therapy. So there is no surprise that two areas that get so little awareness such a speech therapy and brain tumors are left in the dark about each other. With advice from a fellow BT survivor I sent out an email on a BT listserv explaining an SLP's role. The response I received back was overwhelming. So many people wanted to know more about SLPs. Others were also interested in raising awareness about rehab for BT patients. I am excited about this new project. Although it will have to be put on hold until after my surgery (doesn't everything?). I do have one concern about this project. I worry that I will be putting myself out there for discrimination. I worry about going public with my BT diagnosis. I worry that this may be an issue for future/current employers. I know will eventually figure this all out. I wonder how I always take on way too many project, oh well I love it.