The non-Cliff Notes version continues in my book, Curveball: When Life Throws You a Brain Tumor (Ghost Road Press, 2007)-- a percentage of all proceeds are donated to meningioma reseach. Thank you in advance for your interest and support. In 2003, I gave birth to my brain child--Meningioma Mommas--a nonprofit foundation with a unique 24/7 online support forum that offers hope, friendship and laughter (lots of laughter and virtual hugs too!) to the newly diagnosed as well as to long-term survivors and caregivers during their journey. 


Why the funny name?! When I was first diagnosed, I had great difficulty pronouncing meningioma, let alone spelling it. And even though my doctors were skeptical I'd ever become pregnant, I did. My meningioma didn't stop me from continuing my roles as wife, daughter, sister, friend, writer...and ultimately, becoming a mom. For me, surviving a meningioma has brought me numerous blessings. It has also allowed me to increase awareness about this mistakenly labeled "benign" brain tumor. I don't consider life-altering deficits caused by any kind of brain tumor, which impact the quality of lives, benign by any means.




And it doesn't end there. Meningioma Mommas is committed to raising critical funding for meningioma specific research. My personal ultimate goal is $1 million dollars. So far, we're $180,000 of the way there.

Meningioma Mommas is a lifeline, which grew out of an overlooked need for those stumbling around in the dark after being delivered a shocking four word sentence, "You have a meningioma."  We are an alternative to the grim statistic, numbers, and percentages all-too-prevalent and circulating on the internet. Put simply, we are your one-stop shopping for hope, friendship, laughter and information. You will never be alone on your meningioma journey. Whether you are a newly diagnosed patient, a veteran survivor, a "momma", a "poppa", or a caregiver, welcome home.

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Meet the Brains Behind Meningioma Mommas: 

Liz Holzemer is a freelance writer, author, and speaker.

Since she established Meningioma Mommas in 2003, Liz has been honored with the Woman's Day "Woman Who Inspire Us" award, the Tim Gullikson Spirit Award as well as Denver's ABC "7 EveryDay Hero" and Denver's NBC "9Who Care" awards.

She has appeared on the TODAY Show, Discovery Health Channel's "Mystery Diagnosis, and has been profiled on local television and in print media to share her story.

Liz resides in the Rocky Mountain state with her husband, Mark; their children, Hannah and Hunter and their loyal Lab, Koufax.


Lindy Klarenbeek has served as Meningioma Mommas' Executive Director since 2004. She became involved with Meningioma Mommas after being a caregiver to her aunt who was diagnosed with seven meningiomas.

Lindy is also the past president for Epilepsy Australia ACT, an organization that helped her tremendoulsy during her son's lifelong battle with epilepsy.

She resides Down Under and runs an automative business with her husband, Peter. Lindy spends what limited free time she has raising abandoned dogs and providing them a second chance at life.
 
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Booking Liz:

Liz also speaks around the country sharing her "second chance" story while increasing meningioma awareness. She is available for author readings and book signings too.

She has previously addressed the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of University Women, American Society of Journalists and Authors, Barnes & Noble, Brain Science Foundation, Brain Tumor Foundation,  Brain Tumor Society, Brigham and Women's Hospital, City of Hope, Colorado Authors' League,  Englewood Library, Highlands Ranch Library, Hoag Hospital Cancer Center, Legacy Brain Foundation, Lions Club, National Brain Tumor Society, Sutter Neurosciences Institute, Tattered Cover, Tenn Street Cafe, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the University of California San Francisco. 

For media appearances, interviews or speaking engagments for your next brain tumor support group or event, please contact Lindy Klarenbeek at lindy@meningiomamommas.org