In February 2005, Eric Stephens collapsed at home.  By the time he reached the hospital, he was partly paralyzed and suffering from kidney failure.  Doctors were finally able to determine that Eric had an advanced glioma, a brain tumor.  It is located deep in his brain, nearly dead center between the hemispheres.  Its about the size of an apricot and inoperable.  Eric has been in intense chemotherapy, and seems to be responding well, but these kinds of tumors are tenacious and unpredictable. 

In 1990, Eric and his friend Eugene turned a one week cross-country trip to retrieve a homeless friend into a long-distance adventure trip through the American Southwest.  In recent years, they had talked about recreating and expanding the trip.  With the onset of his illness, it was decided to make a concerted effort to finally do that trip and to make it an even bigger adventure.

We're going to make this about something bigger than us.  We want to raise awareness of this disease and how people live and deal with it. We are accepting donations for those who want to help make this happen and benefit others.  All donations coming through this web page will benefit the National Brain Tumor Foundation for their care and research efforts.  Our goal is to raise enough money through our efforts to give Eric his adventure and donate $5000 to the NBTF.  As part of this journey, we will also be in Denver, Colorado on July 22, 2006 for the Denver Brain Tumor Survivor's Angel Walk.

For more information, visit www.phoenixpartners.net/URA.