The non-Cliff Notes version continues in my book, Curveball: When Life Throws You a Brain Tumor (Ghost Road Press, 2007). I thank you in advance for your interest and support. I donate a percentage of all proceeds to meningioma specific research.

In 2003, I  gave birth to my brain child---Meningioma Mommas, a non-profit foundation with a  unique 24/7 online forum that offers hope, friendship and laughter to those newly diagnosed as well as to long term survivors and caregivers during their journey.

Why the funny name? When I was first diagnosed, I had difficulty pronouncing meningioma, let alone spelling it. And even though my doctors were skeptical I'd ever become pregnant, I did. My meningioma didn't stop me from becoming a mother. And it hasn't stopped me from continuing my roles as wife, daughter, sister, friend, writer ... For me,  becoming a meningioma brain tumor survivor has brought me numerous blessings. 
 

It has also led me to increasing awareness about this mistakenly labeled "benign" brain tumor. I don't consider life altering deficits caused by a brain tumor, which impact the quality of our lives, benign by any means.

And it doesn't end there. I am committed to raising critical funding only for meningioma specific research and hope to raise $1 million dollars in my lifetime. To date, Meningioma Mommas has raised $165,000 toward my goal.

Meningioma Mommas is a lifeline, which grew out of an overlooked need for those stumbling around after being delivered a shocking four word sentence, "You have a meningioma."  We are an alternative to the grim statistic, numbers, and percentages all-too-prevalent and circulating on the internet. Put simply, we are your one-stop shopping for hope, friendship, laughter and information. You will never be alone on your meningioma journey. Whether you are a newly diagnosed patient, a veteran survivor, a "momma", a "poppa", or a caregiver, welcome home.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Meet the Brains Behind Meningioma Mommas:



Liz Holzemer is a freelance writer, author, and speaker.

Since she established Meningioma Mommas in 2003, Liz has been honored with the Woman's Day "Woman Who Inspire Us" award, the Tim Gullikson Spirit Award as well as Denver's ABC "7 EveryDay Hero" and Denver's NBC "9Who Care" awards.

She has appeared on the TODAY Show, Discovery Health Channel's "Mystery Diagnosis, and has been profiled on local television and in print media to share her story.

Liz also serves on the board of trustrees for the Brain Science Foundation.

She resides in the Rocky Mountain state with her husband, Mark; their children, Hannah and Hunter and their loyal Lab, Koufax.


Lindy Klarenbeek has served as Meningioma Mommas' Executive Director since 2004. She became involved with Meningioma Mommas after being a caregiver to her aunt who was diagnosed with seven meningiomas.

Lindy is also the past president for Epilepsy Australia ACT, an organization that helped her tremendoulsy during her son's lifelong battle with epilepsy.

She resides Down Under and runs an automative business with her husband, Peter. Lindy spends what limited free time she has raising abandoned dogs and providing them a second chance at life.

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Booking Liz:

Liz also speaks around the country sharing her "second chance" story while increasing meningioma awareness. She is available for author readings and book signings too.

She has previously addressed the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of University Women, Barnes & Noble, Brain Science Foundation, Brain Tumor Foundation,  Brain Tumor Society, Brigham and Women's Hospital, City of Hope, Colorado Authors' League,  Englewood Library, Highlands Ranch Library, Hoag Hospital Cancer Center, Legacy Brain Foundation, Lions Club, National Brain Tumor Society, Sutter Neurosciences Institute, Tattered Cover, Tenn Street Cafe and the University of California San Francisco. 

For media appearances, interviews or speaking engagments for your next brain tumor support group or event, please contact Lindy Klarenbeek at lindy@meningiomamommas.org