About
The Michael G. Belz Foundation (MGBF), is named after Michael G. Belz who was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor at the age of 27. Michae
l did not know how long he would live or the quality of life he would have after diagnosis. Therefore, it was important for him to live as normal a life as possible amidst treatments, surgeries, and medical appointments. Michael lived life to the fullest while continuing to maintain hope for tomorrow!
The Michael G. Belz Foundation was established on December 29th 2009, upon Michael’s death, with the mission of providing H.O.P.E. to Brain Tumor and Brain Cancer patients, caregivers, and family members. Each letter of the acronym, H.O.P.E., represents an element of our mission…offering H.O.P.E. to those impacted by brain tumors and brain cancer by;
Helping to live and celebrate life after diagnosis
Offering emotional support
Providing resources
Education that promotes a global awareness of research and treatments
Wow I cant believe this. If you dont mind me asking wht were his symptoms. I had two brain surgeries myself in 2007 and 2009 I was diagnosed with moya moya disease
Thank you for your question. Mike began having headaches, primarily in the morning when he woke. He also noticed vision changes, like he could not see so well or he was seeing “spots” or black. We attributed the headaches to stress at first, but nothing was helping. When he went to his family doctor, the doctor noticed that his face was not symmetrical. So when he smiled, only 1/2 of his face was responsive. That was a newer symptom. Brain Tumors are tough to diagnosis early on because their symptoms often mimic those of other diseases. I have heard of others having a seizure first and then that being the way they discover they have a brain tumor. How has your recovery been after 2 brain surgeries?