Check out this great charity event in Antibes this May, raising both awareness of, and much-needed funds for, Brain Tumour Research.
On January 2nd 2012, after suffering from increasingly frequent and debilitating headaches, Jo-Ann Howell (pictured above), was diagnosed with a clementine-sized meningioma tumour behind her left eye. With an excellent medical team behind her and the support of her family and friends, the tumour was removed at Hôpital Pasteur in Nice on February 16th 2012, and so began her fight back to health and fitness.
Whilst the vast majority of meningiomas are benign, hers was classed as atypical, neither malignant nor benign – medical speak for ‘we’re just not sure’! Never one to accept when there is no answer to her question, this has inspired her to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research, which receives less than 1% of national cancer spending in the UK.
To that end, Jo-Ann is organizing an event on Thursday May 16th from 7pm at The Quays in Antibes, with all non-bar takings, along with funds raised on her JustGiving and Bankeez websites, being split between the Portsmouth University centre of excellence research program in the UK and the ARTC – Association pour la Recherche sur les Tumeurs Cérébrales in France. Entrance is only €5 at the door.
It will be an evening of music, with a band and a DJ, with a raffle of prizes donated by generous friends and local business benefactors, and she will also be taking the stage to have her head shaved. Whilst the gorgeous Jessie J grabbed headlines and raised huge sums recently with the same ‘stunt’, Jo-Ann says she should point out that she does not have Jessie’s youth or cheekbones. Oh, behave girl!
What hides beneath her ‘do’ is an impressive craniotomy scar, which she is steeling herself to show to raise awareness for the cause. Her hair will be donated to make a wig for a child in need following chemotherapy treatment.
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So, please come along to support this truly worthy cause and very courageous young woman, and hopefully leave with a great prize as well as Jo-Ann’s heartfelt thanks!
If you can’t make it on the night, your donations are also most welcome at JustGiving for donations destined for UK Brain Tumour Research, and Bankeez for all donations for ARTC in France.
CONTACT DETAILS
The Quays
6, boulevard Aguillon
06600 Antibes
Tel: 04 93 64 54 38
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