Elizabeth's Hope: Gliomatosis Cerebri
Elizabeth Minter’s diagnosis of gliomatosis cerebri inspired her to start Elizabeth’s Hope, which funds research into inoperable brain tumors.
Why We Need Your Support
Gliomatosis cerebri is a fast-growing, invasive type of astrocytoma, meaning that it originates in the supporting cells of the brain, called astrocytes. These malignant tumors are highly aggressive, and very resistant to treatment. They spread very quickly and penetrate surrounding brain tissue, making glioblastomas very difficult to remove with surgery and radiation therapy.
There are no known risk factors or causes for these tumors, and the prognosis remains poor. Part of the reason why so little is known about this devastating condition is that it is so rare – major research funding goes to more common cancers. But to each family facing a diagnosis, answers are critical and there is no time to waste.
That’s why the Children's Brain Tumor Project at the Weill Cornell Pediatric Brain and Spine Center is so important. Our research is focused on genomics: getting the “fingerprint”of each individual tumor in order to develop a treatment plan with the best chances of success. To date, gene sequencing has been too costly, too time-consuming, and too difficult to decipher to be of help to many patients. We want to change that.
- Fast-turnaround, pro-bono gene sequencing will deliver data on each patient’s tumor quickly.
- Top-notch genomic researchers and laboratory staff will read and interpret the data in order to develop a personal treatment plan.
- Clinical trials will continue to test and refine treatments – we won’t stop until we have a cure.
Won’t you help support this critical effort? Please consider a gift today.
