To give awareness and make a difference in the fight against brain tumors and brain cancer while offering you a candle you can feel good about burning that brings that light into both your life and into your home.
I was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 19 years old while attending college at USC. It was benign and relatively slow growing but the risk of paralysis with surgery called for a wait and see approach. The next 20 years would involve periodic treatments, like chemo and radiation, to try and control any significant progression. Unfortunately, in 2011, the tumor began to progress into a fast-growing high-grade tumor. My diagnosis was very poor at the time and the risks associated with removal were no longer an excuse to avoid surgery. In 2015, I had successful brain surgery to remove a Grade IV Glioblastoma (GBM). Unfortunately, this type of brain tumor has a high recurrence rate so over the last six years I have had to undergo further treatments and three more brain surgeries.
The length and depth of my experience with brain tumors can hardly be matched by anyone. Guided by that and my family’s experiences through diagnosis, treatment and disability, it is for this reason that we will be donating a portion of the proceeds from each luxury scented candle in the "Candles for a Cause" collection to the UCLA Brain Tumor Center.
The UCLA Brain Tumor Center is a network of preeminent scientists, researchers, and physicians dedicated to delivering best-in-class care to patients with brain tumors, developing earlier detection techniques and discovering new and improved treatments. I have been a patient there for more than 20 years, virtually all of which has been under the amazing medical care and guidance of Dr. Ngiemphu. In addition, Dr. Liau and her surgical team have been nothing short of miracle workers. It is virtually impossible to measure my gratitude towards my doctors.
One of the best things you can do for your health is manage stress, even when you can’t control the source of it.
Scented candles can play an essential role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, working capacity, and overall mental health. The smell of scented candles has a soothing effect and stimulates the part of the brain that is home to our memory and emotions.
Hormones like dopamine and serotonin can be produced to help regulate mood. The simple act of lighting a candle, with its flicker and glow, can help to relax and soothe the mind.
Scented candles are a perfect compliment to our mission of giving awareness to the very difficult fight against brain tumors.
Over 80% of consumers scent their homes with candles. Many products only cater to one sex, age group, or income demographic. Candles transcend categories. The market for candles is there! Their popularity is what makes them an ideal messenger to raising awareness.