Welcome to The Brain Tumor Awareness License Plate site. My name is Dale Thomas -At age 31, I was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor (Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma) in March 2006. Since that time I underwent brain surgery and had a gross total resection of the tumor. I had weeks of radiation and chemotherapy (temodar) and am curently going through additional chemotherapy. Prior to my diagnosis, I had been in perfect health, other than a few headaches. I definitely never thought that I would be touched by a brain tumor. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of my situation, I wanted to do something positive for the brain tumor community, raise awareness, and funds for research. Therefore, I started a campaign to obtain a Specialty License Plate in Virginia for Brain Tumor Awareness. Our goal is to raise awareness so more funds will be dedicated to find a cure.
We hope to have a bill introduced in January 2008 for this Specialty plate; however, we need to obtain 350 prepaid applications before the legislature will consider it. We've been told they made this rule to ensure that, if/when passed, the plate would have enough applications to put the plate into production. To help us in this effort, we have partnered with B.R.A.I.N. (Brain Tumor Resource and Information Network: www.brainsite.org). They have generously agreed to pay the $10 plate fee for the first 350 applications (personalized plates will cost you $10).
Please spread the word and get your applications in early so we can ensure that we have the required number. Each person can make a difference. We will be at the Race for Hope in DC in May to spread the word about this plate - hope to see you there.
Questions can be directed to our email.
These pages were authored as a service for the BT community (patients, survivors, caretakers, advocates, a service greater than the remarkable triumph of neurosurgeons. The life of the body inevitably fades, but the life of the mind triumphs forever.
When I suffered two grand mal seizures in the winter of 2006 I began my passage from one life to another, at 31 it as a scary transition, at times I thought it was the beginning to the end , my natural life was limited.
Even though I had submitted to my medical team and their infinite knowledge, whatever the prognosis , I wanted to do more.
Instead of dwelling on the dire statistics of malignant tumors. It was a rebirth because for the first time in my life as long as I can remember. I was in control. Together we aspire, Together we achieve.