Gary: Shining a Light on Others
While each child’s brain tumor journey is unique, they share a common bond that’s the bedrock of the pediatric brain tumor community. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and the children we serve are fortunate to work with many adult survivors who personally understand these children’s experiences and give back to help them thrive.
For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, one of those inspiring survivors we’re highlighting is Gary Lowell, a volunteer committee member for our Starry Night Walk & 5K Run in Boston.
Everything changed for Gary when he was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma brain tumor at 13 — an age when his biggest concern should’ve been starting high school, not spending time in a hospital. Through all the trials that he and his family could’ve never anticipated, Gary gained a valuable new outlook on life.
“I don’t take friends and family for granted and try to focus more on the positive. The time I spend with people is much more valuable than any items I could buy,” says Gary.
In 2006, Gary received a PBTF college scholarship and attended his first Ride for Kids motorcycle event. He was moved by seeing the hundreds of people there to support pediatric brain tumor survivors and has been involved with the organization ever since.
Gary appreciates the help and support he received while going through treatment and feels that he would not be where he is today without that support. Now Gary works personally and professionally to give back and help others achieve their life goals.
Gary joined the inaugural Boston Starry Night volunteer committee in 2014 and has continued to help the event grow every year. Selflessly donating his time leading up to and at the event, Gary is one of the many crucial volunteers it takes to make PBTF events a success.
His favorite part of the event is “seeing all of the support from the community towards finding a cure for childhood brain tumors.”
Not only does Gary spend his time helping other children with brain tumors through Starry Night, he has also volunteered for his local food pantry and Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
Professionally, Gary works as a case manager for people in his community and is considering going back to school for his Master of Social Work to continue helping others as much as he can. He’s an inspiration for all of us.
You can help more survivors like Gary thrive by donating, participating or volunteering for a PBTF event, such as the Starry Night Walk & 5K Run. These evening walk/run events shine a light on the more than 28,000 kids nationwide living with a brain tumor and raise funds for lifesaving research and family support programs. Learn more and register for a Starry Night near you at mystarrynight.org or make a donation to the PBTF at curethekids.org/givenow.
