Before my tumor, I defined myself in a couple of ways. I was a husband, married for 32 years to my college sweetheart. I was a father to two amazing grown kids, ages 26 and 24 at the time. I was a software engineer and development manager, leading teams and doing good work. I was active in the local Burning Man community, making art and doing things with friends.

And then March 2023 came along. I didn't know it at the time, but it marked the beginning of major changes in my life and my identity.