Charles Tabor and daughterI was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme grade IV, malignant brain tumor in February of 2005.

My doctors here at home felt it would be best to send me to Duke to the Brain Tumor Center to see one of your neuro-oncologists.

I had my first appointment there in March 2005, and that's when I met my hero, Dr. James Vredenburgh.

From the moment my wife and I met him, he put us at ease. He and his staff talked with us and gave us hope from the very beginning. He came up with a treatment plan and has been there for us through every step.

I have suffered two recurrences, and, each time, Dr. Vredenburgh has gone above and beyond to research what treatment option was best for me. He has always made himself available to us, answering any question or concern we might have. He has done what most doctors don't do -- he has made our relationship feel more personal.

We know that he has compassion and concern for our family. He always asks about our daughter and how she is doing through all of this, which means the world to us.

I have already outlived all the statistics for this type of cancer. I am five years plus, and still going strong thanks to Dr. Vredenburgh. He is certainly my hero!