V Foundation & StacheStrong Glioblastoma Research Grant

Focus Area: Glioblastoma (GBM) research - the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer

Background: This transformative five-year grant was announced on March 23, 2026, as a partnership between the V Foundation for Cancer Research and StacheStrong. The grant aims to accelerate research focused on glioblastoma treatment, where survival rates have remained largely unchanged for over two decades. Most patients diagnosed with glioblastoma survive only 12 to 18 months.

Research Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital

Research Teams: The grant will support the laboratories of:

• Dr. Mario Suvà, M.D., Ph.D. - Pioneering advanced genetic and molecular approaches to study how glioblastoma evolves at the cellular level
• Dr. Liron Bar-Peled, Ph.D. - Developing novel chemical approaches that expand the druggable space in cells

Research Goals: By tracking how glioblastoma cells shift and adapt and pairing that insight with new tools that expand what researchers can target inside cancer cells, the team hopes to uncover hidden weaknesses that could lead to more precise and lasting treatments.

Geographic Scope: North America (V Foundation supported)

About StacheStrong: StacheStrong is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit devoted to raising funds and awareness for brain cancer research. Founded in 2018 following GJ Gerner's diagnosis at age 28 with glioblastoma, StacheStrong has grown into a national organization. To date, StacheStrong has funded over $7 million in research grants supporting over 65 studies at more than 40 leading institutions across the country.

About V Foundation: Founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, the V Foundation has funded over $458 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive, peer-reviewed process. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs.

Peer Review Process: StacheStrong's $1 million pledge will be deployed over five years through the V Foundation's rigorous, peer-reviewed grant process, ensuring that funds are directed toward research with the highest scientific merit and potential patient impact.

Contact Information:

• V Foundation: apaterson@v.org