Who We Are
Our Story
The Brain Cancer Research Alliance was founded by the Hsu Family when Nolan, a healthy 30-something, experienced an odd sensation - he heard music that wasn't actually playing. This happened more than once, so listening to his body he called his doctor and got an MRI.
The scan revealed that Nolan had a brain tumor – an oligodendroglioma, to be exact.
The world seems to stop when you’re diagnosed with cancer, but you continue – appointments need to be made and decisions arise as you figure out, “what’s next?”. Fortunately, Nolan lived only a few miles from one of the world’s leading cancer institutions, Dana Farber Cancer Hospital. Within days an oncologist was secured and brain surgery was scheduled. On September 7, 2021, Nolan underwent an awake craniotomy to remove his brain tumor. Fortunately again, it was a full resection (meaning the tumor was completely cleaned out) and the cancer only progressed to stage 2, giving Nolan precious time.
A search for treatment options for brain cancer revealed very limited options, with the majority being medicines that were approved in the 1970s. Brain tumors are not rare, but research is underfunded. The amount of money going to brain cancer research is very small compared to other forms of cancer, as it can be too complex, too variable, and too low profile due to lower survival rates.
We’re on a mission to change that. To help raise awareness and increase investment in developing new, novel therapies, the Hsu Family Charitable Fund, now known as the Brain Cancer Research Alliance, was established. With your support, we hope to change the outlook for brain cancer patients and give them not just more time, but a cure.
Since our founding, we have held several fundraising events that have been designed to fulfill our mission. Funds received go directly towards finding a cure. None of the funding goes to administrative costs as our team is comprised of all volunteers.
About Brain Cancer Research Alliance
Our Mission
Our Partners
Our Mission
Funding Breakthrough Brain Cancer Research
The Brain Cancer Research Alliance (BCRA) is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing life-saving research across all types of brain tumors — including oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma, glioblastoma, and many others. Our mission is simple but urgent: accelerate scientific discovery, improve p
Funding Breakthrough Brain Cancer Research
The Brain Cancer Research Alliance (BCRA) is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing life-saving research across all types of brain tumors — including oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma, glioblastoma, and many others. Our mission is simple but urgent: accelerate scientific discovery, improve patient outcomes, and bring hope to the millions of people worldwide impacted by brain cancer.
Our Team
Our Partners
Our Mission
Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those we serve. We are all volunteers but come with a breadth of knowledge, experience and most importantly, a passion for scientific advancement.
Our team includes individuals from a multi-national cell and gene therapy company, a
Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those we serve. We are all volunteers but come with a breadth of knowledge, experience and most importantly, a passion for scientific advancement.
Our team includes individuals from a multi-national cell and gene therapy company, a prominent neurology professional organization, patient advocacy and leading biopharma organizations.
Our Partners
Our Partners
Our Partners
We are proud to partner with organizations across the research and care continuum, all focused on bringing forward new treatments for those suffering with brain cancer. Current partners include Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute, The University of Florida Brain Cancer Research Center and the National Brain Tumor Society.
Interested in
We are proud to partner with organizations across the research and care continuum, all focused on bringing forward new treatments for those suffering with brain cancer. Current partners include Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute, The University of Florida Brain Cancer Research Center and the National Brain Tumor Society.
Interested in joining our alliance? Send us an email at: becky.hsu@braincancerresearchalliance.org
Why Your Support Matters
- Support All Brain Tumor Types: Your donation fuels critical research for oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma, glioblastoma, and other brain tumors.
- Accelerate Scientific Discovery: Every dollar helps fund research that leads to earlier detection, better treatments, and improved quality of life.
- Provide Hope: Your generosity brings hope to patients, caregivers, and families facing brain cancer.
How to Help - Ways to get Involved
Donate to the Brain Cancer Research Alliance
Your donation will help us to continue our mission of supporting our community. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Corporate Sponsorships
Partner with us as a sponsor to amplify your impact and demonstrate your commitment to advancing brain cancer research.
Attend Our Events
We host a variety of events throughout the year, including fundraisers, community outreach events, and educational seminars. Check out our calendar to see what's coming up.
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news and happenings with the Brain Cancer Research Alliance by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness of our mission and programs by sharing our website, social media pages, and events with your friends, family, and colleagues.
With Thanks
Our Supporters
Join Us
Together We Can Make A Difference
Brain cancer research changes lives — but we can’t do it alone. Join us in driving progress, funding hope, and creating a future without brain cancer.