Two UCLA Neurosurgeons To Be Showcased In Documentary For The First Official National Brain Tumor Awareness Month

    TAMPA, FL, April 30, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Two of UCLA's neurosurgeons will be featured in the Nation's first official Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Dr. Linda Liau, Professor of neurosurgery and Dr. John Frazee, a cutting edge neurosurgeon will show their skills as they perform surgery to save not only a father, but his thirteen year old stepson also who was also diagnosed with a brain tumor. Does lightning strike twice in the same spot? In this case it does as Bob Gibbs and his stepson Christopher were both diagnosed with brain tumors, in less than one year of each other.

In an effort to increase much needed awareness for brain tumors, and the critically urgent need for research funding Gibbs agreed to not only allow cameras to follow him and his family through their journey, but it also led to the formation of Miles for Hope, a nonprofit 501(c )(3) organization dedicated to funding cutting edge research which should ultimately lead to a cure for a disease that affects over 200,000 people each year in the United States.

"Our research over the past five years has opened our eyes to the fact that there are very promising treatments on the horizon, just waiting to enter clinical trials, but they cannot be started since there is no funding for them," stated Gibbs. "If it was not for Dr. Liau, her skills, and her experimental vaccine that I eventually qualified for, I might not be here today. I feel I owe my life to Dr. Liau and felt the need to create Miles for Hope, and help others by funding research and providing flight assistance to qualified patients thanks to the generosity of AirTran Airways."

In addition to the documentary increasing awareness and support, Miles for Hope is hosting a radio talk show called "Brain Tumor Talk". This radio show, which will eventually be weekly, will showcase leading physicians, cutting edge treatment and discussion regarding brain tumors and treatments. The radio show will be accessible world-wide through the internet and telephone. The first episode will run on April 30, 2009 to kick off brain tumor awareness month starting on May 1, 2009 and will feature Dr. Duane Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. The topic for this weeks show will be on those newly diagnose with brain tumors.

Most people remain unaware of the actual magnitude of brain cancer. According to resources, brain cancer is the leading cause of solid tumor cancer death in children under the age of 20. Other cancers receive the much needed awareness and funding which has led to promising treatments. Just look at the vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer. "The time has come for people to be aware of the need for the funding of brain cancer research, which will lead toward better treatments, and towards finding a cure. No donation is too small, and all donations are tax-deductible," said Gibbs.

The documentary will run over the internet at www.milesforhope.org. This has been made possible with the assistance of Maverick Interactive and TG Web Media, two of our technology sponsors. The episode was originally recorded to run nationally on television and was never aired. We wanted to finally get it out to promote national awareness, and thought the internet would help us reach our targeted audience, and also give people the ability to view it "on demand". "Since there are actual surgical procedures filmed, that viewer discretion is advised." The documentary will be available for viewing starting on May 1, 2009 and will remain on the website for viewing.

About Miles for Hope

Miles for Hope was established by Bob & Barb Gibbs to raise funds for promising brain tumor clinical trials and research. We are dedicated to raising funds to improve current treatments for brain tumors, and to assist brain tumor patients with travel expenses for their treatment.

Our goal at Miles for Hope is to provide a complete source for cutting edge treatment and support for both the patient and care givers. There are many wonderful sources of information on the internet for brain tumors, and our goal is to compile these resources at one location. Here you will find a large support forum full of information, the most current clinical trial information, breaking news regarding brain tumors, and other support and awareness tools for your use in combating and fighting brain tumors.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Barb Gibbs
(727) 647-6548

# # #