This April, StacheStrong was featured on NBC Boston’s Morning Boost segment ahead of the 2026 Boston Marathon. The segment shone a light on Colin Gerner, President, CEO and Co-Founder of StacheStrong, and the remarkable story behind why he was running one of the world’s most iconic races.
It is a story rooted in loss, love, and an unshakeable refusal to accept the status quo on brain cancer research.
The Story Behind the Mustache
In September 2017, Colin’s brother GJ was diagnosed with glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer. GJ was 28 years old. He battled the disease hard for 25 months before passing away on September 17, 2019, at just 30 years old.
In the days before his brain surgery, GJ shaved his face down to a mustache to lighten the mood. Colin did the same. It was a small act, but it meant everything. That mustache became a symbol of strength, resilience, and togetherness, and it became the foundation of StacheStrong.
What started as a family mantra has grown into a national nonprofit that has funded over $7 million in glioblastoma research, awarding 65+ grants at 40+ institutions across the country.
A Historic Announcement
The 2026 Boston Marathon marked a defining moment for StacheStrong. As Colin lined up as the number two global fundraiser for the entire race, the organization announced it will be donating $1 million over the next five years to brain cancer research at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The grant, awarded in partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, will support researchers studying how glioblastoma evolves, identifying new ways to target it, and developing more effective and longer-lasting treatments. It is the single biggest research commitment in StacheStrong’s history.
In Colin’s own words from the NBC Boston segment: “Knowing that the support and the continued support of our community is directly funding $1 million over the next five years to brain cancer research” is what makes this marathon so significant.
The Power of the Marathon Community
Running has always been central to StacheStrong’s mission. The first marathon Colin ran helped launch the organization and raised $50,000. GJ joined him for the last six miles, in the middle of treatment. That moment has never left him.
Since then, StacheStrong has grown to 150+ global marathon runners showing up for brain cancer research year after year. From New York to Berlin, Tokyo to Boston, the community runs in GJ’s name and in the name of every family that has faced a glioblastoma diagnosis.
The NBC Boston Morning Boost segment put it simply: it is a beautiful story. And it is one that is far from over.
Why It Matters
Glioblastoma remains one of the most devastating brain cancer diagnoses a person can receive. Survival rates have not meaningfully improved in decades, and too many patients are still facing the same prognosis today as they were 20 years ago. That has to change.
Every grant StacheStrong funds brings the research community one step closer to better treatments and, one day, a cure. The $1 million commitment to Massachusetts General Hospital is a significant leap forward, but the work continues.
The fight against glioblastoma does not stop at the finish line.
Watch the full NBC Boston Morning Boost segment above, and visit stachestrong.org to donate, get involved, or join Team StacheStrong for an upcoming marathon.
Every mile matters. Every dollar matters. Let’s keep going.