June 2025
Mid-Year 2025 Update
Brain tumor awareness is every day for those facing this disease
Hello StacheStrong Fam!
I wanted to send this newsletter AFTER #BTAM to remind you all that for those fighting this disease, EVERY day is for brain tumor awareness…
This year was the 8th year that I kicked off brain tumor awareness month (#BTAM) and the 6th without GJ. It was also the 1,000th post from StacheStrong on our social media - so many stories, events, milestones, etc. all with triumph, heartbreak, inspiration and community woven within.
While I couldn’t be prouder, I grapple with this post annually. Do I focus on the positives? $5M+ of research funded, the incredible donors/corporate sponsors, the hope and togetherness we provide for families? Or do I highlight my brother’s difficulties, his initial diagnosis, the subsequent recurrence, the unthinkable that I witnessed and is forever burned into my memory? Do I talk from a brother’s viewpoint, as the CEO of a nonprofit, or that of a caretaker?
You see, my personal journey since my brother’s diagnosis has had enough happenings and angles to write a book series and it’s now been 7 years & 8 months since his initial seizure that set us down this path. With every waking day, I’m further and further from the last time I saw my brother’s smile and heard his voice. There’s really no right way to do this and if you ask me tomorrow, I may have thought about writing this differently.
The truth of the matter is we all have a choice. At diagnosis, we can choose to fight or hide. We fought alongside Geej and continue to do so in his memory. When you read the statistics, you can accept it or advocate for change. We now advocate every moment of our lives. When your loved one dies, you can either bury their name or speak it daily. We yell it from the rooftops.
Regardless of your choice, you can know that StacheStrong is always there for you. There to fight, advocate and keep your loved one’s memory alive. No matter what stage of the brain cancer journey you’re at, we’ve traded punches with it and are in your corner.
All month long, you heard stories from those at different stages of their journey. I would imagine you cried, felt inspired, and were at a loss for words. Whatever emotions you felt, realize that you always have a choice and we hope you choose to sharpen your sword and join us in the fight against brain cancer. If you’re not ready, we’ll be here when you are. Together, we WILL flip the script on this disease!
Part I has just been released and the next two parts are scheduled to be released in June and July (click to watch on YouTube and save link for future parts)
In this newsletter:
- Watch Our New Docuseries!
- Research Funded
- Golf Tournament Recap
- 5K Run/Walk - Create/Join a Team
- Corporate Matching
- Board Member Additions
- StacheStrong Store
- Website Anniversary
Research Funded in 2025
$700,000
What matters most is where this money is going to advance brain cancer research. With your support, we’ve already helped fund $700,000 in grants through the first half of 2025.
Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU - Dr. Loughan and Dr. BraunStudying the effects of a newly developed intervention, FearLess in Neuro-Oncology, aimed at reducing fear of recurrence or progression in patients with brain tumors and their caregivers.
In partnership with National Brain Tumor Society
University of North Carolina Wilmington
UNCW - Dr. MinnsSupporting caregivers of people with brain tumors by providing resources and adapting the broad PATH© (Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home) tool specifically for caring for patients with high-grade brain tumors.
In partnership with National Brain Tumor Society
UMiami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. ShahExploring the interface between anti-viral approaches and the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment and has developed multiple shots on goal to achieve new treatments to glioblastoma patients who deserve better options.
In partnership with Dolphins Cancer Challenge
UMiami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. ChakrabatiAddress a major unmet medical need in triple negative breast cancer that metastasizes to the brain. This work will provide insight to how to flip the switch for glioblastoma patients from a tumor microenvironment that is highly immunosuppressed, to one that will allow the patients immune system to attack and kill the glioblastoma tumor.
In partnership with Dolphins Cancer Challenge
USC
Dr. ModrekDecoding Glioblastoma treatment escape mechanisms: integrative single-cell and single-molecule approaches. Their research shows that DNA damage leaves non-genetic changes in cancer cells’ blueprints, such as DNA methylation and changes in gene expression. They believe these non-genetic changes help cancer cells behave more aggressively and resist treatment. By understanding how these alterations occur, they aim to develop therapies that prevent cancer cells from adapting to treatment.
In partnership with the V Foundation
These are tangible results to remind you why every dollar matters.
It's why your support is crucial. We can't promise what tomorrow holds, but we can promise that StacheStrong will continue to push the envelope and fund cutting edge research in the hope of a world without brain cancer!
We will be sharing the registration link later this year for our 4th Annual StacheStrong Invitational, which will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Jonathan’s Landing, with a similar kickoff celebration the night before. Feel free to reach out with any potential sponsorships and donations for next year as we expect another quick sellout!
StacheStrong Invitational
Records are meant to be broken, right? The 3rd Annual StacheStrong Invitational was yet another record breaking event in the StacheStrong universe. A HUGE thanks to our incredible sponsors, donors, volunteers and hosts at Jonathan’s Landing and Evo Italian. YOU make StacheStrong great!!! We thought you might be interested in the impact this year’s tournament helped make happen:
⛳️ We had a full sellout with 32 foursomes
💰 Raised over $365,000 for brain cancer research and donations from the event are still rolling in
🧬 Funded three separate grants at UMiami and USC
🗣️ Heard speeches from GBM THRIVER, Mike Hugo and Dr. Ivan who sits on on Medical Advisory Board to remind everyone of our WHY!
8th Annual 5K Run/Walk
Let’s keep the #BTAM energy going by registering as an individual or creating/joining a team for our 8th Annual StacheStrong 5K Run/Walk. You can either complete the VIRTUAL run in your respective city and state at ANY TIME during the weekend of September 20th, or else attend the IN PERSON race in our hometown of Vestal, NY at the Vestal High School at 3:00pm on Saturday, September 20th. Email us if interested in becoming a sponsor!
Corporate Matching
Did you know that you can DOUBLE the amount you've raised/donated to StacheStrong just by leveraging your employer's donation program? SO many of our supporters take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and it results in amplifying the impact of each individual donation/event registration. Reach out to your company to do so for StacheStrong and if your company doesn't match yet, use this as an opportunity to get them involved and support StacheStrong. Let's work together to connect major dollars to brain cancer research!
Additions to our Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Board
Our Board of Directors help us think strategically, drive our mission forward and execute. Our Medical Advisory Board reviews grant proposals to ensure we’re funding strong science. We’re grateful to have these leaders believe in us and are excited about what their presence and commitment will do for StacheStrong and the advancement of brain cancer research!
Erin McEachren
We are beyond excited to have Erin join our Board of Directors. She is the Vice President of Enabling Technologies: Cranial and Spinal at Medtronic. Her industry knowledge, energy, and desire to make a profound difference in this space make her the perfect addition to the StacheStrong family. She’s already made an immediate impact by bringing on Medtronic as an annual funder of StacheStrong and is leading one of our working committees to help us evolve as an organization.
Kirk Tanner
We are humbled to have Kirk jump in and help lead our Medical Advisory Board going forward. He was the former Chief Scientific Officer for the National Brain Tumor Society and is now the SVP of Clinical Development for Autem Therapeutics. His range of knowledge and relationships make him a driving force in this space and someone who can make a true difference. He is also someone my brother got to meet and entrusted with the dollars from StacheStrong’s first ever grant.
StacheStrong Swag Shop
We have hundreds of items available and all proceeds support our mission.
Port Authority Embroidered Ladies Cozy Fleece Hoodie
$49.83
Comfort Colors Heavyweight Ring Spun Tank Top
$22.18
Port Authority Rib Knit Slouch Beanie with Patch
$26.13
Our New Website Turned 1 Year Old!
We’re so grateful to the team at The Nonprofit Design Studio for bringing our vision to life last year - don’t take our word for it, go check out the new site and spread the word!
Thank You To Our Supporters
We truly can't thank everyone enough for their support and generosity over the past SEVEN YEARS!!! Playing a role in funding over $5,000,000 of brain cancer research is truly amazing and we can't put into words the profound impact that each of you have had in our fight against GBM. It means the world to us, but more importantly, to all those hoping for a cure. We can't do this alone, so if you're looking for a way to get involved, volunteer, and help drive our mission forward - reach out today!