BRAIN TUMOR CARE PUTS DRUG ON THE SPOT.(LIFE & LEISURE)

Byline: CAROLYN POIROT Knight-Ridder

One week after undergoing surgery for the quickest, deadliest form of brain cancer, Keith Merz of Fort Worth, Texas, is in HealthSouth starting long-term rehabilitation.

Merz, 37, knows that every minute counts. Most people with a glioblastoma measure time in days and weeks.

But Merz is rehabilitating his right leg -- paralyzed by the brain tumor -- in anticipation of a cure.

``I need rehab. My motor nerves that control that right leg won't work. I hope to be totally cured,'' Merz said. ``I'm young, and I need to be able to use that leg. I'm gaining strength every day.''

His hope is inspired by …