Our Story

In December of 1999, my husband, Jeff Sorensen was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme, an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer. After six months of treatment with surgery and radiation as he prepared to begin chemotherapy, our daughter Madelyn was diagnosed with glioblastoma as well.

Jeff survived two years and nine months.

Madelyn miraculously survived ten years.

I can say the only good thing about Jeff's cancer journey was that we found M.D. Anderson Cancer Center so we knew to get Madelyn there immediately after her diagnosis. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is a premier-rated cancer institute and a hospital like none I had ever been associated with. The individuals of the Brain and Spine Center were always caring, kind, and empathetic. Their focus went beyond cancer treatment to care for the patient as a whole person.

I am dedicated to doing all I can to find a cure for brain cancers so that in the future someone can bypass the journey my family has taken.

On a personal level, it is also my way of keeping the memory of my loved ones alive. Someone told me once that when you speak the name of departed ones, their spirits are there. I know where my daughter and husband are now and am joyful for them, but it doesn't ease the missing them.

I hope you can join us on September 9th, but if not please consider sponsoring or donating with all proceeds going directly to brain cancer research at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.