To remove it, Scolamiero underwent a 15-hour operation at Massachusetts General Hospital. After the operation, Scolamiero still suffered from many of her symptoms, but was refused admission into a Boston support group near her home because her tumor was not malignant. The closest support group was a 45-minute drive from her home, but Scolamiero s fatigue made it difficult for her to drive. My sister would be dead today if it had not been for this support group. Says Scolamiero, I wanted to create a place on the net where people could interact and find a healing exchange of information and support.
Information can bring both comfort and power.
The on-line support groups can also reduce the isolation that brain tumors bring to individuals. Tim Gullikson lost his battle with brain tumors on May 3, 1996. At the time, he was Pete Sampras coach. Tom Gullikson is Director of Coaching of USA Tennis, where he oversees the hiring, development and training of tennis coaches and talent at all levels as part of the U.S. Tennis Association s program for growth of the game in the U.S. From 1994 to 1999, Tom Gullikson was captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team, leading the men s international tennis team to the Davis Cup championship in 1995.