In November of 2017, Washington County citizen Pam Stewart was diagnosed with Stage IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a rare form of brain cancer often referred to as “The Terminator.”
Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and infiltrative forms of cancer, easily able to quickly spread into other areas of the brain. The median survival following a diagnosis is 15 to 18 months, and the five-year survival rate for GBM patients is only 6.8 percent.
As a former nurse, Stewart well-understood the grim odds; although, despite this diagnosis, she decided to fight the disease. She began receiving care from medical professionals at Duke University.
“Duke guided my treatment plan and has followed me since a month after my diagnosis,” said Pam Stewart. “I undergo frequent MRIs there and will for the rest of my life.”
Stewart explained that through research, she learned of the limited resources for treatment of brain cancer. In the past 30 years, there have only been four drugs and one device approved by the Food and Drug Administration for GBM.
“Brain cancer research is the most underfunded of all cancer research,” said Stewart. “Brain cancer is also the most expensive cancer to treat, often leaving patients and families with major financial hardship.”
In April of 2019, less than a year and a half following her initial cancer diagnosis, Pam Stewart founded the “Terminator 5K and One-Mile Walk” to raise awareness and funds for patients and families of those suffering with cancer. The inaugural event raised over $10,500, which was donated to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke.
The next year, the Pam Stewart Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)3 entity, was formed. Funds raised through the Cancer Fund are used to support brain cancer research at Duke University and to aid those diagnosed with brain cancer through a grant of up to $2,000 to be used towards medical expenses, travel expenses for treatment, housing, etc.
Pam Stewart will hold host to her 5th Annual Terminator 5K and One-Mile Walk this weekend on Saturday, April 20. Beginning at Brentwood School, the 5K will start at 9:00 a.m. with the one-mile walk to follow. The course is USA Track & Field certified.
Professionally, Stewart currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Washington County Regional Medical Center. To learn more about the Pam Stewart Cancer Foundation and/or to register for the event, please visit pamstewartcf.com.
