Glioblastoma aka GBM

Welcome back to Glioblastoma AKA GBM. This 2023 holiday season we're launching our first-ever MINI SERIES which will be a 1:1 to discuss questions and topics that have been submitted through the organization. Launching on 11/30/23. To learn more about the Glioblastoma Research Organization visit us online at https://www.gbmresearch.org/.

The finale of Season 2 of Glioblastoma aka GBM is here, and to wrap up the season we'd like to welcome Elissa Barbach to the show. Elissa was a caregiver and lost her husband to glioblastoma in 2018, and has learned to rebuild her life after losing her best friend - while still being incredibly gracious, kind, loving, caring, positive - and overall, a great mom. On this episode, you'll hear us cha...

David M. Ashley, PhD, FRACP, MBBS (Hons), Director of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke joins us on this episode to discuss his history in neuro-oncology, innovations happening at the Brain Tumor Center, clinical trial advancements, and his past-life as a surfer. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about: - What led him to Duke - The world-renown Duke Polio clinical trial & it's...

Vidya Gopalakrishnan, Ph. D is a researcher at MD Anderson Cancer Center, an esteemed member of the Glioblastoma Research Organization Medical Advisory Board, and has a laboratory focused on research for DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). On this episode, you'll hear us chat about: - What sparked Vidya's interest in working on brain tumor research - Immunotherapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center...

Kate Snedeker started Gray for Glioblastoma Society at just 19 years old in an effort to create a hopeful space for all those impacted by GBM, and to help raise funding for research through community events. Kate joins us on this episode of Glioblastoma aka GBM to discuss the inspiration behind GFG, and how she's utilizing social media to make an impact. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about:...

Sadaf Chaudry lost her husband Rehan Aslam back in 2022 to glioblastoma. Sadaf joins us on this episode of Glioblastoma aka GBM to share her story, advocate for caregiver support, and share raw and honest truths about the effect glioblastoma has on families. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about: - How Sadaf and Rehan met - How it is to continue parenting after the loss of your partner - Grie...

Amani Liaquat was just 22 years old when she was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, and passed away in 2022 from the disease. Amani spent a majority of her diagnosis focused on advocacy efforts, and raising awareness for GBM. Her parents, Yasmin and Khuram, join us on this episode to discuss Amani's journey and how her legacy lives on. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about: - Amani's story - The...

Dr. David Langer is the chair of neurosurgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and vice president of neurosurgery for Northwell Health's Western Region. His love for neurosurgery and mentorship is infectious. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about: - His love for neurosurgery - What it's like being the chair for a major institution and running the department - How Lenox Hill on Netflix & Emergency NYC c...

Greg Link is an 8+ year glioblastoma survivor and thriver. He's an advocate for talk therapy, and an advocate for multiple professional opinions. Now, he spends his time focused on his communications company and being a support system for others living with a brain tumor. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about: - His business, and what inspired him to kickstart his career - His thoughts on tal...

Catherine Ivy is on a mission to find a cure for brain cancer, with Dr. Nader Sanai and the rest of the incredible team at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center. On this episode, you'll hear the three of us chat about: - Catherine's passion for finding a cure - What inspired Dr. Sanai to dedicate his life to research - Phase 0 clinical trials & how they work - Recharging and finding creativity in your day-to...

Sit down with us this week on Glioblastoma aka GBM as we're joined by Diane Pathieu - an American television anchor who works for WLS-TV in Chicago, and her husband Nick Adamski - a glioblastoma thriver. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about: How Diane and Nick met PMA: Positive Mental Attitude Methylation profiling How hope has such a significant impact on one's life The importance of keepin...

Dr. Henry Friedman is world renowned for his work in Neuro-oncology at Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University. He is also a karaoke star, a massive Broadway fan, a mentor, a die-hard basketball supporter, a husband, a grandfather, and a fantastic podcast guest. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about: How Henry got involved at Duke Upcoming research advancements and clinical...

Barbie Blank Coba (aka Kelly Kelly) is best known for her WWE performances, modeling, influencing, and acting - however did you know she co-founded a nonprofit for Brain Cancer Research after losing her dad to glioblastoma? On this episode, you'll hear us chat about: How Barbie got her start in WWE The love Barbie and her dad shared, especially for wrestling The process of getting married and star...

Dave Bolton remains in the top 2% of the world's survivors after given 3 months life expectancy in 2015. He is an 8+ year cancer survivor, helped heal himself with fitness and meditation, has started a charity to help others around the globe, and is an advocate for all those living with brain tumors. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about: Dave's eclectic career background How he found healing...

Dr. Randy D'Amico, Director of the Brain and Spine Metastasis Program at Lenox Hill Hospital joins us on Episode 2 of Glioblastoma aka GBM to discuss: The ins and outs of glioblastoma Upcoming developments in neurosurgery His life as a neurosurgeon, and his past-life as a punk band member The future of brain tumors The importance of passion in the medical field & so much more Trigger warnings may...

To kick off the SECOND season of Glioblastoma aka GBM, we're joined by Paolo Presta as he shines a light on his experience as a caregiver when his mother was living with a glioblastoma diagnosis. On this episode, you'll hear us chat about: Paolo's experience as a caregiver Different stages of the grieving process Paolo's relationship with his mom, and the special relationship they shared Our thoug...

“No matter what clinical trials are conceptualized, no matter what different projects and drugs are developed, you need research to get to a place where these things are thought up, where things are coming into existence.” During her experience with glioblastoma as a caregiver, there were many things Amber Barbach wished she had. Now, she’s giving those things to others so their experiences won’t...

“We really imagine this place at the fundamental level as an online sanctuary… you're guided by both medical experts and by other people that you know have been there and want to pay it forward.” Vikram Bhaskaran and Rohan Ramakrishna saw the online healthcare experience and politely said “thanks but no thanks.” Troubled by the lack of information and support for glioblastoma patients and caregive...

“Any time anything really bad is happening, I always say ‘it doesn’t matter - it’s not like glioblastoma.’” The agony of slowly watching a parent die from brain cancer is unlike any other. Glioblastoma is a uniquely painful and haunting experience, and siblings Meghan and James McCain know it better than anyone. Their father, former politician John McCain III, died of glioblastoma in 2018, changin...

“It’s about figuring out how to work with an individual, how to balance out the body and then get them to adapt to changes.” The answer to healthy living may be right within us all along. Tiffany Meyer is a firm believer in a holistic approach to healing the root causes of health issues, rather than slapping on band-aids. As a certified Oncology Nutrition Consultant (ONC) and Functional Nutrition...

“Make memories, take pictures, do videos, and tell people you love them, because we never know how long we’re here for.” When their youngest son, Liam, passed from glioblastoma, Oscar and Tracy Gill were devastated. Things were already tough with their decision to get divorced, but they gave their marriage one last chance when Liam was diagnosed. The painful journey of watching their child die tie...

“Just providing togetherness and hope and understanding to a family who's going through this at any stage of that continuum, is probably the most powerful thing.” Colin Gerner had no idea what glioblastoma was until he lost his brother to the disease. Now, he’s helping people across the country gain access to resources, information, and support. He is the President and co-founder of StacheStrong,...

“I believe a combination immunotherapy approach for glioblastoma will be curative…it's just a matter of getting big companies to work together and getting the funding together.” Shawn Carbonell MD, PHD, has high hopes for developing the cure to glioblastoma… but low funding. Shawn, co-founder and president of Cure Glioblastoma, is considered The Brain Surgery Dropout across social media. He left n...

“I think it’s time we shift a bit. Not saying that we stop focusing on those important cancers, but recognize that there are other forms of cancer, albeit more rare, that still need attention, funding, and brilliant minds for research.” Dr. Ricardo Komotar knew he wanted to study neuroscience as early as the 9th grade. He is a member of the Glioblastoma Research Organization’s Medical Advisory Boa...

“My mom was like ‘Absolutely not, we are not telling a child he has 6 months left to live,’ which I think played a huge role in [me] staying positive.” David is one of the longest surviving patients of glioblastoma in America, beating all the odds stacked against him since he was a child. He is joining Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to talk about his experience as a three-time survivor, how...