For long-term brain tumor survivors, "Beating The Odds" was established not to take the place of the many wonderful brain tumor lists, but rather to fill a new need.

Years ago, few people survived a brain tumor for five years, ten years, and longer. Today, with new treatments coming out year by year, we have more people surviving brain tumors longer than ever before.

And with longer survival comes a whole new set of issues. Many long-term brain tumor survivors are struggling with the after-effects of the disease and its treatments. While saving a life in the short term, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can cause long-lasting effects in every area of the survivor's life. These effects can include ongoing pain; difficulties with memory and cognition; varying degrees of fatigue; depression and related emotional difficulties; isolation and problems maintaining a social network; and of course financial difficulties.

This list seeks to create an opportunity for long-term survivors to network, share thoughts and ideas, maybe sometimes just plain vent. And, we hope, create community.

[PHOTO: Brain tumor survivors with Representative John Conyers during Brain Tumor Action Week]