2025 Power Hours

Join us for a fireside chat about brain tumors. You will learn about what glioblastomas are, how they’re diagnosed and how they’re treated. You will hear inspiring stories both from survivors of glioblastoma and caregivers who have lost loved ones. Whether you have had personal experiences with brain tumors or are simply curious, there is a lot to learn in this Power Hour!

12 – 1 pm: Brain Tumors

Eric Wong, MD is a Research Professor of Neurology, Medicine, Neurosurgery & Radiation Oncology at Brown University and Attending Neuro-Oncologist at Rhode Island Hospital. He is an international authority on the treatment of glioblastoma. His seminal work helped the initial approval of the therapeutic device NovoTTF-100A by the FDA in 2011 and the publication of a textbook on Alternating Electric Fields Therapy in Oncology in 2016. In 2021, he was honored as a Distinguished Lecturer in the Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society of IEEE and presented with the Oncologist of the Year award by the Massachusetts Society of Clinical Oncologists.

Mandi Razza was the wife of the late Chief Joseph Razza, Chief of Police in Johnston, RI. Mandi and Joe were married for 20 years and made their home in Johnston. Joe was the epitome of health, dedicated to jogging every day regardless of weather conditions. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma in June 2022, and passed away 15 months later. Mandi was his only caretaker and wants to share their experience in hopes it can help others navigate through what is a devastating and terrifying journey.

1 – 2 pm: Recovery after Brain Injury

During this informal chat, we will focus on recovery in the context of brain injury. You will hear from survivors, advocates, and caregivers, all of whom will shed light on the unique ways in which they have approached recovery. We will discuss what recovery means to each person, how we can approach it creatively, the role of community, and how the government can support the recovery process.

Carmen Boucher is certified as a Community Health Worker for Rhode Island. She holds a B.S. from Charter Oak College and completed the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program at the University of Missouri. Currently, Carmen serves as the Traumatic Brain Injury Coordinator at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), specifically within the Violence and Injury Prevention Program, where she coordinates the TBI Person-Centered Partnership Project. Her career includes significant experience in public health roles, such as with the Office of Special Health Care Needs and the Health Equity Institute. Carmen has also worked with school committees and parent organizations in Woonsocket, advocating for special education and equity. She is passionate about empowering individuals, promoting equality, and advocating for families and caregivers through education and outreach.

Richard Muto is a brain injury (BI) survivor, having been diagnosed with brain bleeds thirty years ago.  He has actively participated in advocacy and public speaking since 2010.  He serves on the Governor’s Permanent Advisory Committee for Traumatic Brain Injury, the Advisory Board for Neuro Restorative, a residential program for BI survivors, and the Board for Pride in Aging RI.  He is certified as a Community Health Worker and provides one-on-one peer support as well as leading BI support groups through the Ocean State Center for Independent Living.

Denise Lowell, MA is a stroke survivor living with aphasia since 2015. She is the Founder and President of Just Aphasia Stroke Knowledge (Just A.S.K.), dedicated to raising awareness and supporting individuals with aphasia. Denise serves on several advisory boards, including the RI Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board and the Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan (ATEL) Program Committee, and is an Appointed Member of the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities.