My name is Sharon Criscuolo, and I am a lifelong resident of Guilford and a proud employee of Guilford Public Schools, where I have worked for 25 years. I am also a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many. First, I am grateful that the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance has recognized me with the June Rice Courage Award. I am proud to be part of CTBTA's mission to improve the lives of people living with brain tumors and their families. I also recently received the Paul Dostie KARE Foundation July Award. These awards remind me once again how fortunate I am to be part of such a caring community.

I have always loved staying active, especially spending time in my garden, going to the gym, and taking long walks. On May 16th of this year, my life unexpectedly changed when I had a seizure that revealed a grade 4 glioblastoma tumor. Thanks to the incredible skill of Dr. Jennifer Moliterno, the tumor was successfully removed, and since my surgery in mid-June, I have been undergoing treatment seven days a week.

Through all of this, I have been overwhelmed by the love and support surrounding me. I am deeply grateful to my Guilford community, my school family, my friends, and especially my family. Most of all, I am grateful for my husband, Jay, who has been my rock through every step of this journey. From making me delicious, healthy meals and taking walks with me to encouraging me to simply put one foot in front of the other each day, his love and support have meant more than I can ever express.

I am also incredibly thankful for my team at Yale, especially Dr.Moliterno, Dr. Baehring, Dr. Bindra, and all of the caregivers I have met over these past three months. Their knowledge, compassion, and dedication have given me hope and strength.

I am taking this journey one day at a time, grateful for every day, every walk, every moment spent laughing with my loved ones, and every person who continues to stand beside me. I look forward to feeling stronger, continuing to live my life, and doing everything I can to beat this horrific cancer. I have so much more living, loving, laughing, and walking to do.