December 2024
Year End Newsletter
Let's flip the script on brain cancer!
Hello StacheStrong Fam!
Every year as I sit down to transcribe all that has occurred in 12 months, I’m left in complete awe of this inspiring community. I find myself typing today at Bryant Park next to the ice-skating rink, where I can feel Geej whizzing around on his freshly sharpened skates, utilizing his season pass without a care in the world. I can’t help but think about how big that smile would be if we could enjoy a cold beer after and recap 2024 for StacheStrong and how his fight has supported thousands of families. It’s his smile and this daydream that keeps me going 5+ years since losing him…
It's amazing to see the continual growth of our organization as we aim to flip the script on this disease - we have now funded over $5M of brain cancer research grants and have become a leading organization in this space, which is only possible because of YOUR support. GJ would be proud!
We can't do this alone - email us below if you're looking for a way to donate, volunteer, or help drive our mission forward!!!
In this newsletter:
- Research Funded
- New Partnerships
- Brain Tumor Awareness Month
- 2025 Events
- #BrewStacheStrong
- StacheStrong Invitational
- 5K Run/Walk
- NYC Marathon
- NYC Fundraiser
- Corporate Matching
- Medical Advisory Board Bolstered
- Website Refresh
- StacheStrong Store
Research Funded
$890,000
What matters most is where this money is going to advance brain cancer research. We funded $890,000 in grants in 2024 to highly rated and promising areas, including the below. The biggest takeaway this year has been the 2-year fellowship we funded at UCSD where Dr. Vadla’s research and findings led him to receive a highly touted $5M NIH grant to scale this work. Congrats to Dr. Vadla - this is why launching promising research is so vital!
UMiami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center: Dr. ShahThe Shah Laboratory (The Section of Virology and Immunotherapy) researches the interplay between viruses and brain tumors. Dr. Shah is focused on developing translational therapies to target cancer-promoting viruses in glioblastoma and enhance anti-tumor immune responses. Using novel gene and cellular therapies, the Shah lab aims to eliminate brain cancer stem cells which are responsible for treatment resistance and tumor recurrence.
In partnership with Dolphins Cancer Challenge
UCSD: Dr. VadlaYear 2 of postdoctoral fellowship focused on targeting bromodomain containing two protein to inhibit mesenchymal transition in recurrent glioblastoma.
In partnership with AACR
Northwestern: Dr. LiTranslational grant seeking understanding of cellular responses to extensive clinical treatments with the goal of developing new cures for children with high grade gliomas.
In partnership with the V Foundation
Neuro Surgeons Training ProgramFormal mentored research program for 2 years for neurosurgery residents. Goal is to improve human health by providing participants with the skills, mentorship, education and experience needed.
Brigham and Women's: Dr. KrichevskyYear 2 of development of therapeutic miR-10b gene editing (highly abundant in adult gliomas). This study is anticipated to present a common therapeutic strategy for GBM.
In partnership with NBTS
UPMC: Dr. HadjipanayisA multicenter study to assess the feasibility of Gleolan (ALA / Aminolevulinic Acid HCI) in pediatric brain tumor patients after delayed administration. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Advocate Midwest Children’s BTC and other sites to join in future.
In partnership with Musella Foundation
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and University of Utah: Dr. Tsai and AlterExperimental validation of AI/ML-identified therapeutic targets in glioblastoma.
In partnership with Musella Foundation
Update on the Glioblastoma Biobank Project funded in 2023This global study gathers biological samples and detailed surveys from GBM patients to explore how genetic, immune, and lifestyle factors affect outcomes and risk. Participants, including caregivers, contribute data through online surveys and optional at-home blood collection kits. Visit this link to learn more and participate today!
*In partnership with the Glioblastoma Research Organization
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!
New Partnerships
Dolphins Cancer Challenge: We have teamed up with Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) to raise funds and awareness for brain cancer research. Our philanthropic partnership, which commits to contributing $1 million over four years to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMiami) was formally announced July 17, Glioblastoma Awareness Day. Learn more here!
V Foundation: We’ve committed to co-funding $200k annually with the V Foundation in an effort to claim victory over cancer. Year one of this partnership is underway at Northwestern and we’ll be making a grant to the highest ranked and graded proposal in the brain cancer space. Learn more here!
Reed’s: Their team joined us by committing a limited edition batch of their Strongest Ginger Beer cans. They have already committed to furthering this partnership in 2025 to reach more retailers across the country. Learn more here!
Brain Tumor Awareness Month
Over the years we’ve shared the stories of others who have faced a brain cancer diagnosis during Brain Tumor Awareness Month (#BTAM) every day throughout May. Click below to submit your story for consideration to be posted on our social media and share this with others who may be interested in contributing to this powerful month of awareness. We also encourage you to fundraise your way during the month to raise additional funds!
#BrewStacheStrong
The #BrewStacheStrong collaboration is bringing together communities across the country in support of a disease that impacts far too many people. Just like every ‘Stache tells a story, every beer tells a story. It’s as simple as a brewery committing a batch size to benefit brain cancer research and we have now partnered with over 400 breweries.
We’ve already started our outreach for the 2025 campaign so if you would like to help or have a friend/contact in the beer/restaurant world, click below to email us.
StacheStrong Invitational
We are now accepting sponsorships and registrations for our 3rd annual golf tournament on Monday, May 5, 2025 in Jupiter, Florida. We have several sponsorship options available and foursomes are limited so get involved today! If able to donate any items or experiences for the silent auction, please email us and join us as we aim to raise over $250,000 again at this year’s event. Special thanks to Evo Italian for immediately jumping on as major sponsor and hosting the party the night before the tournament!
8th Annual 5K Run/Walk
NYC Marathon
If interested in applying to be considered for our 2025 NYC Marathon team, please click below. We had 35 allocated bibs from the NYRR in 2024 and are hoping for even more for this marquee road race on November 2, 2025.
7th Annual Fundraiser in NYC
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!
Medical Advisory Board Bolstered
Our Medical Advisory Board reviews grant proposals to ensure we’re funding strong science. We’re grateful to have these leaders believe in StacheStrong and join our board!
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
Exciting News!
It was time for a redesign and overhaul of our website and we’re so grateful to the team at Studio 77 for bringing our vision to life earlier this 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!