THE CHALLENGE

Brain tumors are one of the most feared but also one of a few cancers that does not resonate to the masses like breast or lung cancer. The result is a lack of awareness for these tumors and a lack of funding initiatives to help find cures for the many different types of brain tumors, most of which are fatal. While great advancements in treatment have given so many cancer victims many extra years or even decades of living and return to well being, brain tumors remain one of the most costly and debilitating forms of cancer.

OUR GOALS

A primary assumption of our program is "ask" and people will seek to help. Every dollar counts and any help will be greatly appreciated. This project has an ambitious, yet simple goal: Rapid fundraising dedicated to research for brain tumors. There is strong evidence to suggest that some solutions, with proper funding, may only be 4-6 years away. All funds raised through this project will be allocated in streamlined fashion, using existing channels and foundations with the goal of distributing money quickly and fairly, to those who can operationalize it quickly, and who limit their overhead to make more money available for research and treatment. Good research takes a long time, and sizable amounts of money need to be raised. OUR PROJECT GOAL IS AN AMBITIOUS $53 MILLION.

OUR APPROACH

Money we raise will go directly toward novel brain tumor research, exciting novel treatment targets and improved treatment choices. Together, we will help reignite existing research teams at top medical institutions that are under funded or have faced funding shutoff, thus stalling their research. Some of the nation’s most talented researchers and physicians are making strong progress in solving the brain tumor mystery, but have literally lost the funding needed to continue their work.

LEAD BENEFICIARY

The Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research & Information is the organization’s lead beneficiary. The Musella Foundation, based in Hewlett, NY and operated by Al Musella, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and survival times for brain tumor patients by using computer technology to index brain tumor clinical trials, streamline the flow of information, organize the brain tumor community and raise money for brain tumor research. It operates www.virtualtrials.com, and has worked tirelessly and successfully to bring attention to clinical trials, patient outcomes, research, letter writing campaigns for expanded treatment options, and a great many other contributions to the community. The Musella Foundation has filled crucial gaps in the brain tumor community through its funding innovative and creative research, with a special emphasis on research that complements, rather than duplicates, the research funded by the federal government.

PARTNERS AND EXPERT SUPPORT

In addition to its lead beneficiary, UnlockingBrainTumors.org will also work closely with leading members of the brain tumor community, including The International Brain Tumour Alliance, The American Brain Tumor Association, The Brain Tumor Society, the National Brain Tumor Foundation, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and many others. Additionally, the foundation will align with and enjoy support from leading experts in the field, from some of the nation’s finest medical systems and comprehensive cancer centers.