Working in victim services for 20 years, J.J. Beattie has helped adults and children cope with unimaginable challenges. But in 2008, J.J. faced her own enemy: an inoperable, malignant brain tumor.
J.J.'s encounter with her brain tumor began in the early morning hours of Nov. 9, 2008, when her son, Jackson, had a bad dream and awoke her and her husband, John. After comforting Jackson, J.J. returned to bed, waking up a short time later to her own nightmare—a grand mal seizure.
"Our bed started shaking, and I thought it was Jackson again," recalls John, a 17-year police officer. "I looked over and saw it was J. She was shaking and her arms were stiff and bent up against her chest. I rushed to her side of the bed and tried to get a response. I was in disbelief that this was happening."
Tests revealed the cause of J.J.'s seizure: a mass on the left side of her brain found to be a low-grade glioma that could not be surgically removed. After extensive research, J.J. turned to Edward B. Arenson, MD, and the CNI Center for Brain & Spinal Tumors.
"Dr. Arenson was the first person who made me feel like there was hope," J.J. recalls. "He walked into a room where 13 of our friends and family were waiting to ask him questions, and he didn't flinch. He introduced himself and made it clear he wanted to help me."
While working full-time, J.J. began an aggressive three-month treatment cycle that caused her tumor to shrink significantly. She had to accept "that the tumor is still there and will always be a part of me."
"I look at each day differently now. Before my diagnosis, I tried to lead my life as if my kids were always watching me. That's more important now than ever."
J.J. now focuses even more on her health and spending time with John and her sons, Jackson and Josh. Last year, they pedaled for the CNI Center for Brain & Spinal Tumors at the Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival. J.J. and her mom, who calls her daughter her "warrior woman," also spoke at the center's "Reflecting the Light" ceremony. She's working at the University of Denver as an adjunct social work professor and teaching safety and self-defense skills.
John explains that J.J. has shown their family the true essence of strength. "She never gives up. She's made our family stronger through her fight. And she's shown us how amazing and powerful hope really is."
Watch J.J.!
Established in 1999, the Colorado Neurological Institute Cindy Acree Hope Awards Celebration is named for Cindy Acree, who underwent brain surgery for epilepsy, suffered a stroke, exhibited tenacity and courage throughout her recovery and continues to this day to encourage the community to learn about neurological conditions. The celebration is also named for Cindy's daughter, Hope.
Past Center for Brain & Spinal Tumors Hope Award Recipients:
The medical information presented on this website is meant for general educational purpose only. Individuals should consult their physician regarding specific medical concerns or treatment.
Working in victim services for 20 years, J.J. Beattie has helped adults and children cope with unimaginable challenges. But in 2008, J.J. faced her own enemy: an inoperable, malignant brain tumor.