© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.
Jose Cortes, Cancer Patient/Survivor, Brain Cancer
Hope
In May of 2009, Jose Cortes was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in both frontal lobes. Although he has persevered through radiation and chemotherapy, Jose experienced balance and mobility issues as a result of complications from his cancer. Jose continues to push himself to stay active in spite of his fatigue and many physical and cognitive challenges. He graduated from physical therapy in February 2010 and thanks to a generous scholarship from the local YMCA, works out for at least an hour every day.
Jose is an active member of the Western North Carolina Brain Tumor Support Group and volunteers with a local Latino organization. In May of 2010 he began painting while at Camp Bluebird.
“I love to do art in my free time and I think it's supposed to be a part of everybody's life,” said Jose. His artwork is featured in May of this year's calendar and was created especially for the project. Of his artwork, Jose said, “It is an expression of hope and the necessity of it when being threatened by this terrible disease.”
His wife Anne is no stranger to cancer and is a breast cancer survivor. “I really admire how he continues to pursue his interests, even though it takes so much time and effort,” she said of Jose. “It would be easy for him to become discouragedâ¦instead he focuses on how much he has progressed.”
More information about the Expressions of Hope calendar is available at www.cancer.net/expressionsofhope.