

Let’s get in Touch
I’ve created this Blog admittedly for myself (to heal, to express all of the emotions that flutter around in my head, etc. etc.), but also to share my experiences and thoughts with all of you. Let’s connect!
Email me: braincancerbabe@gmail.com
Follow me on:
Instragram @braincancer_babe Twitter @braincancerbabe Facebook Page braincancerbabe
or follow me here on WordPress
AS FEATURED IN:
- THE BIG ORDEAL
https://thebigordeal.com/2020/10/01/ruthie/
- ELEPHANTS & TEA
https://elephantsandtea.com/patients/remission-a-new-perspective/
https://elephantsandtea.com/author/ruth-kavanagh/
The Doctor T. J.
Eckleburg Review
https://www.eckleburg.org/diagnosis-day-and-tackling-cancer-head-on-pun-intended-by-ruth-kavanagh/
Upcoming features:
THE EVENING STREET REVIEW
Podcasts
Featured as a guest on the following Podcasts:
- Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk show on Croydon Radio (online). Claire Bullimore, was the host and importantly, a fellow brain tumor survivor.
As Claire stated at the time:
her show is there “to give a voice to brain tumour sufferers, survivors, family or friends.” AND, this was key – her website said that she interviews “anyone who wants to have a voice or tell their story
Claire Bullimore, (aka Aunty M Brain Tumors)
Time has passed. Thus, my interview is no longer available. The prior link was:
My interview:
http://croydonradio.com/podcast/show.php?HistoryID=215b2eb5-886d-fde2-1a8a-773bce29f2ba
My segment began at just around 14 minutes in.
Claire’s website has also changed since our interview in 2016. Oh my, soooo much has happened since then!
https://auntymbraintumours.com and her site https://linktr.ee/auntymbraintumours
Her Twitter handle is: @BrainTumorAunty
INTERLUDE Podcast:
- Women’s Cancer Stories hosted by Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, a board-certified medical oncologist.Interlude can be found on any podcast player, including Apple
Dr. Teplinsky states:
I share the stories of women who have been affected with cancer as a way to provide support, inspiration, encouragement, hope and strength to other women who are also going through similar experiences. Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer in some way. These conversations are one way to create an understanding of the cancer experience. #interludepodcast
https://interludecancerstories.com
My interview:
https://interludecancerstories.com
Her Twitter handle is: @drteplinsky
Making Headway Podcast
Making Headway was created by two incredible, vivacious all around #bossbabes who are brain injury survivors. Together, they created this platform in the hope that it would help others in the process of recovery.
Ladies, you’ve definitely succeeded!
My interview:
Their Twitter handle is: @makingheadwaypodcast
ADVOCACY WORK
NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR SOCIETY (“NBTS”)
WEBSITE: http://www.braintumor.org
I discovered NBTS just after my diagnosis and first brain surgery in 2014.
I knew NOTHING about brain cancer. Yet, here it was turning my life upside down and inside out.
I needed information, but via a legitimate source. No WebMD for me.
Well, I stumbled upon this incredible organization and have worked tirelessly as a fundraiser, a member of the NYC Walk Planning Committee, served as both Chair and Co-Chair of the Walk and have served in various other roles since 2014.
Why NBTS?
[NBTS] UNRELENTINGLY INVESTS IN, MOBILIZES, AND UNITES OUR COMMUNITY TO DISCOVER A CURE, DELIVER EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS, AND ADVOCATE FOR PATIENTS AND CARE PARTNERS.
http://www.braintumor.org
Basically, NBTS works directly with legislators and clinicians to ensure brain tumor research gets more funding, which is desperately needed! The organization truly cares about patients and families affected by this disease.
The CEO and Members of the Board have personally reached out and helped me so much throughout my battle.
Working With NBTS

IT TAKES A TRIBE! JAC 😇 IT BEGAN TO POUR RAIN JUST AS I GOT ON STAGE
- 2015 Patient Advocate Speaker at New York City Walk 5-year Celebration
- 2016 Co-Chair & Speaker at New York City Walk
- 2018 Chair & Speaker at New York City Walk
- 2018 Patient Representative Attendee at New York City Panel on “Breakthroughs In Brain Tumor Treatments
- 2019 Patient Representative Attendee at the Inaugural Reception for “National GBM AWARENESS DAY” on Capital Hill
BEST BURGERS EVER! 🤣❤️
- Multiple awards for New York City’s Walk as “Top Individual Fundraiser”
- Recognized as a:

- 2020 “virtual” representative for Head To The Hill, a full day of advocacy on behalf of NBTS directly to members of Congress requesting more funding towards brain tumor research and more awareness

MSKCC’s CYCLE FOR SURVIVAL
Cycle For Survival is a movement! It’s not just some indoor cycling event to raise $ for rare cancer. It is so much more!
https://www.cycleforsurvival.org/2020. This video really shows what Cycle is all about.
WEBSITE: https://www.cycleforsurvival.org

Cycle for Survival unites families, friends, and colleagues in the fight against rare cancers. Over 37,000 people ride in Cycle’s signature indoor team cycling in Equinox studios all across the U.S.
100% of every dollar supports pioneering research and lifesaving clinical trials dedicated to rare cancers led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).
Within six months after the close of fundraising each year, the money raised by Cycle for Survival riders and donors goes directly to MSK doctors and scientists, fueling bold ideas and breakthroughs.

Since it’s inception 14 years ago, Cycle has raised over $260 million ALL for rare cancer research.
MY WORK WITH CYCLE
I serve as a proud spokesperson for Cycle for Survival. I have spoken at numerous events, mostly before hundreds of attendees.
However, I’ve also served as a “patient representative” at intimate meetings with donors and major sponsors, like New Balance®.
Also, I have worked with Cycle’s media coordinator while speaking to various media outlets.
2015
My first Cycle ride in 2015 was only a few months before my recurrence was confirmed. However, it was suspected.
Nonetheless, I gave one of the bravest speeches of my life… literally the day before a spinal tap, and knowing there was probably another tumor growing inside my brain.
I look back at the video of that speech and I barely recognize myself.
That girl had NO IDEA what she was up against!
2018
I was honored to give the closing speech at my last in-person event.
One of my oncologists
It’s humbling to give these speeches.
In fact, a friend was at the hospital doing some kind of volunteer training the day after our 2018 Ride.
The man running the training actually brought up my speech.
He told the group “it was the most inspiring speech he had ever heard in all his 10 years of attending the event!”
Now, that brings tears to my eyes!
Our 2019 ride was canceled due to COVID. This year. Same thing. It’s best for everyone’s safety. #thanksagainCovid
Please God, let me be able to ride again!
2016-Patient Speaker
ALWAYS HAVE TISSUES READY WHEN I SPEAK More of my tribe
2017-The Kick-off in Times Square
MY LOVE, LAUREN CHI CHI & THE CO-FOUNDER OF CYCLE
On a rainy day in the middle of Times Square, I spoke before hundreds about my story. My wig did not appreciate the rain!
The sun eventually came out though. ❤️