“VABC is always going to be a part of my life. It’s a pleasure supporting a great organization.” Staff Sergeant Christian Betancourt has served eleven years in the NJ Army National Guard including two tours in the Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign in 2004-2005 and in 2008-2009, both in Baghdad, Iraq.

– Christian BetancourtBrain cancer survivor2011 Courage Award Recipient

Jamie Clouser “There’s no normal life, Wyatt. There’s just life. You get on with it”

– Doc Holiday in Tombstone Since his recovery he has decided to switch careers, and has been attending Fordham Law School. – Jamie Clouser Brain cancer survivor2011 Courage Award Recipient

Janice Durham “No dying person ever said, ‘ I wish I’d spent more time at the office.’”

– Janice DurhamBrain cancer survivor2011 Courage Award Recipient

Lauren Farber, M.D. “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

– Eleanor RooseveltLauren wishes to thank: Dr. Batchelor, Dr. Curry, Dr. Loeffler; the AMAZING nurses and staff at MGH; her friends and family; and John, whose strength and love have kept her going.– Lauren Farber, M.D.Brain cancer survivor2011 Courage Award Recipient

Amy Leiken “ What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

– Ralph Waldo EmersonAmy is enjoying life to its fullest and will never forget the experience that shaped who she is today.– Amy LeikenBrain cancer survivor2011 Courage Award Recipient

Alfredo Freddy Lugo was born in Puerto Rico and migrated with his family to New York’s Lower East Side when he was eight years old. Very soon, young Freddy became a gifted percussionist who was able to work with some of the top city-based groups in the 1970′s In 1981 Freddy relocated to South Florida where he continued to perform, record albums and teach.

– Alfredo “Freddy” Lugo Brain cancer survivor2011 Courage Award Recipient

Marina Mesa “The ‘enemy’ is with me every day, but I keep a close eye on it and I know how battle it”.

– Marina MesaBrain cancer survivor2011 Courage Award Recipient

Aaron Serrano “I want all of my loved ones to know, my situation does not define who I am. I define who I am. I am Aaron Serrano and I won the fight against brain cancer.”

– Aaron SerranoBrain cancer survivor2011 Courage Award Recipient

Sam Sneed Sam Sneed is a producer and rapper originally from McKeesport, Pennsylvania. In 1993, Sam was signed to Death Row Records. He has produced for several rappers, including but not limited to Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, G-Unit, and Jay-Z. In 1999, Sneed was diagnosed with a brain tumor which put a temporary halt to his career; however, he has since recovered and gone on to start a new management company, “Nustarz Entertainment.”

– Sam SneedBrain cancer survivor2011 Courage Award Recipient