Augusta Aviation raising awareness, honoring those that have battled Glioblastoma

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Honoring two local people suffering from an aggressive form of cancer, while also raising awareness.

Glioblastoma impacts more than 10,000 people in the US each year. Wednesday, Augusta Aviation recognized two who have made an impact on the aviation industry in our area, and are now fighting that battle.

“Today is Glioblastoma Awareness Day, so what better way would there be to raise awareness about this cancer, and to honor Brad Kyzer and Rachel Mack…”

The two individuals who have helped to grow and strengthen the aviation industry in Augusta.

“Everything has gone by in such a flash, I didn’t realize it had been nine years until I was writing my letter, and I was like ‘oh my goodness.’ I thought I was gonna be in Augusta for maybe two or three years and now it’s nine years later, and if I could I would stay around,” said Rachel Mack, Daniel Field Attorney.

A sentiment the Augusta Mayor’s office shares, as Mack was honored Wednesday with a resolution for her dedication and hard work as the Daniel Field Attorney. Now, Mack is spreading awareness about the cancer sharing the importance of identifying abnormal symptoms.

“I started having migraines daily, and sometimes multiple times a day,” said Mack. “So, I went to see– I got a referral to my neurologist and they did some tests and some scans, and they called me on May 21st at 9:37 am and they told me that they believed that it was Glioblastoma in my brain stem…”

A type of cancer mostly seen in individuals ages 55 and older, according to the National Library of Medicine. One Brad Kyzer is familiar with, he says events like this are important.

“Makes people more aware of what’s going on,” said Kyzer. “Different places– I mean I never knew anything about what I have until about two months ago…”

Kyzer was recognized with a silver ribbon decal on his former Piper J-3 Cub plane he sold back to Augusta Aviation after his diagnosis.

“Well I gave ‘em a big discount to sort of give it back to the kids in our community to have a, have a chance to fly.”

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