Peabody Woman Raises Funds for Brain Tumor Society

Brain tumors generally come with a short life expectancy, often even just a matter of months.

But Ginny Tavilla, 79, beat the odds.

She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma (the furthest stage) on April 10, 2010, and despite a three-month life expectancy, is a living miracle today.

Tavilla survived surgery, six weeks of radiation and a year of chemotheraphy after treatment in the neurology department at Lahey Clinic in Burlington. And she still has a full head of hair, thanks to more advanced radiation treatment and constantly evolving research.

Her daughter, Susan Tavilla, of Peabody, was devastated when her mother was diagnosed.

"I didn’t know what was wrong," she said. "I forced her to go to the [emergency room]. It made you feel like your life was over."

"I'm the second oldest (of eight), and since my dad died of Stage 1 throat cancer after a year at 62, things fall to me. I don’t know too many people with brain tumors who live any amount of time -- it’s unbelievable, thank God," Susan Tavilla said.

Ginny added she's also thankful to God for seeing her through this ordeal.

Usual symptoms of a brain tumor are loss of memory (similar to Alzheimer's), at a loss for unusual words (such as boxspring), swelling in the brain and headaches. Besides Susan's father, her step-grandmother lived nine months with a brain tumor in the 1960s -- similar to the late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy's condition.

Ginny noted it's made a significant change in her life, such as not driving during treatments and a decreased appetite. When she was diagnosed, she was too shocked to say anything, and couldn't say what she wanted to.

She and Susan will participate in a now annual 5K (3.1-mile) brain tumor walk on Oct. 1 at Castle Island, Marine Park, which is across from Pleasure Bay in South Boston. From 9 a.m. to noon, participants can run, jog, walk or push strollers and wheelchairs to benefit the Brain Tumor Society.

Ginny doesn't think she has the strength to walk, but will be there to cheer on her teammates.

Last year at the first annual walk, Susan's team, which she named Team Tavilla, raised $30,000 and she hopes to reach at least $25,000 this year.

She says the smallest donation is $10, while the largest is $1,500, so far. To date, Team Tavilla is in first place of fellow fundraisers with $15,590, competing with Team Mya of Gloucester, in honor of a pre-teen who has a brain tumor.

The fundraising process has been full of planning for Susan Tavilla. She started a letter writing campaign for friends, family and work associates, ran bake sales and sold meatball subs. She noted that people who donated last year weren't able to give as generously this time around, which meant she had to be more creative in raising the funds.

As the top fundraiser last year, Susan spoke at the walk, was featured in the foundation's annual report and said she never felt so good. Her mother was featured up front, along with 30 other survivors.

"It's wonderful that people gave money for people who have brain cancer," Ginny said. "Susan has a lot of friends at work. It's great to see so many people at the walk." 

Another at Susan's home in South Peabody. On Sept. 18 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., you can stop by 228 Bartholomew St. to peruse through books, movies, DVDs, chairs, tables, modern and antique light fixtures, hanging lamps, retail picture frames, table linens, toys, cookbooks and games for sale, all to benefit the Brain Tumor Society.

"It's supposed to be sunny -- not cool -- but nice. Six or seven people help me run it and there'll be about 10 tables between the garage and on the lawn. My family and friends also brought stuff," Susan said.

She added that she's downsizing to a smaller home and has prepared for this yard sale for two months. She and her mother will both be out Saturday, sporting Team Tavilla T-shirts.

Team Tavilla also supports other survivors, as noted on the team fundraising webpage: friend and business associate Louie D'Alleva, church friend Buddy Clarke, 10-year-old Gidge and two young ladies Audrey and Janelle, who are fighting the disease.

"Please consider making a donation to our team so that these six people and their families have a chance at a full life! Thank you, and may God bless you!" writes Team Tavilla.

You can find the team's webpage here and check out the Facebook event page for this .