Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), visited Duke University to meet with Mary Klotman, MD, executive vice president of health affairs at Duke University and dean of the School of Medicine, as well as leadership of the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis (DCBSM). Rep. Foushee presented a copy of the resolution she introduced to Congress to establish Brain and Spine Metastasis Awareness Month.
“Despite advancements in cancer treatments that are extending survival rates, the rapid increase of brain and spine metastasis diagnoses in cancer patients across the country is alarming,” said Rep. Foushee when she introduced the resolution on June 3, 2024. “I am proud to introduce this resolution with the support of the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis, which has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge metastasis surgeries and treatments.”
The resolution also calls on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to increase education and awareness about treatment options, support resources to establish and support centers for brain and spine metastasis, provide resources to increase access to dedicated clinical trials for patients, and invest in research and treatment of brain and spine metastasis.
After the resolution was introduced, 33 organizations from across the country — from medical centers to advocacy groups — signed on in support of the effort.
Among those who met with the Congresswoman today was Heather Gensler, 37, a Charlotte, NC, woman who has been a patient of the Duke Brain and Spine Metastasis Center since 2017. In an interview, Gensler said of being diagnosed with cancer, “I want to see people smile through it. Don’t let it win. Don’t let it change you. There’s life after being diagnosed.”
The Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts who seek new answers for patients whose cancer has spread to the brain or spine. Duke offers some of the most advanced surgeries and treatments, even for patients who may have been told they are out of options.
