Support of NBTS funded research is often provided through direct gifts from committed donors, as indicated in the named funding. In 2008, grants were awarded through the two legacy organizations. Additional research is also listed that was made possible by all of NBTS's supporters and fundraising events.
2008 NBTF Named Grants
The Nick Gonzales GBM Research Grant
The Michael F. Lewandowski Oligodendroglioma Grant
2008 BTS Chairs of Research
- Paul Daniel Bogart Chair of Research
- Seth Harris Feldman Chair of Research
- Sam Gerson Chair of Research
- Billy Grey Chair of Research
- Eliza Lorberbaum Chair of Research
- Mickey McDonald Welker Chair of Research
- Benjamin Memmott Chair of Research
- James F. Petersen Chair of Research
- Patty Roche Chair of Research
- Sydney Schlobohm Chair of Research
- Kayla Wenger Chair of Research
Paul Daniel Bogart Chair of Research
Paul Bogart was a 36-year-old married father of two when he was first diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in February 2002. Following surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, Paul spent the next year and a half enjoying his young family (and welcoming his third child in July 2002). He was able to work, golf, attend concerts and bike. Paul’s tumor unfortunately returned in November 2003, and after a second surgery he became impaired. Paul passed away on May 12, 2004, 10 days after the Cassidy & Pinkard Colliers Race for Hope in Washington, DC, where he was honored.
Friends and family had rallied to Paul’s side from day one, honoring the gentle, sweet, and thoughtful man they had always known and loved. In the face of tragedy, friends were comforted by Paul’s strength and resolve, and they committed themselves to research for a cure.
Seth Harris Feldman Chair of Research
At 17, Seth loved his parents, Bonnie and Sid, his sister, Jill, playing sports, listening to The Who, and attending Dartmouth College.
During his 3 ½ year battle with glioblastoma multiforme, Seth fought to stay healthy enough to continue to spend time with his friends and achieve academic and athletic success just like other teens his age. He volunteered for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, inspiring those around him.
In December 1988, days before his eighteenth birthday, Seth Feldman lost his courageous battle. Seth’s commitment to finding a cure led his parents, Bonnie and the late Sid Feldman, to create the Brain Tumor Society in his honor. Seth would be proud to know that his life has helped to improve the survival of so many others diagnosed with brain tumors.
Sam Gerson Chair of Research
Say Sam Gerson’s name in the Boston area and you will likely be met with a smile, not unlike the smile Sam himself was known for. He was a devoted husband, and loving father and grandfather. He was a loyal friend, respected leader, and generous philanthropist. His life’s motto was, “You have...you give.”
Sam attended Boston College and after serving in the Navy, he received a master’s degree from Boston University. His successful career in retailing included making Filene’s Basement into a national legend while he was CEO.
On July 12, 2003, at the age of 61, Sam lost a courageous year-long battle with brain cancer. The dignity and compassion with which Sam lived his life will be his legacy to us all. This Chair of Research has been generously funded by the many friends of Sam Gerson who are committed to helping others with brain tumors.
Billy Grey Chair of Research
Billy Grey died of glioblastoma multiforme on July 13, 2001, just before his 13th birthday. His life was one of remarkable strength, courage, and love.
While receiving unsurpassed treatment from the dedicated teams at Duke University Medical Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Billy never lost his passion and spirit for life. Throughout his diagnosis and treatment that included bi-weekly cross-state journeys for a clinical trial, he continued to attend school at Albany Academy where he excelled in both sports and academics.
The Billy Grey Chair of Research exists to find a cure because the Grey family knows that Billy would want his struggles to have a positive impact on others. Billy’s research award is strengthened by the spirit and character in which he lived his life and enriched the lives of those around him.
Eliza Lorberbaum Chair of Research
The Lorberbaum Family is truly honored that our daughter Eliza has been selected for a Chair of Research. Eliza is a beautiful, engaging, happy, nine-year-old girl who collects women’s purses and pencil erasers. She also has an inoperable optic pathway glioma related to Neurofibromatosis Type 1. She completed 14 months of chemotherapy almost three years ago and is doing great. Eliza has been a great teacher to us in many ways. Her spirit, her joy of life, and her ready smile bring so much happiness to those around her.
Eliza, her sister Kayla, her brother Jason, and her parents Steve and Cathy, strongly support research to find ways to prevent and cure brain tumors. It is through well-funded research, public awareness and the generosity of friends, relatives, and family that will ultimately make the difference in the lives of so many who are afflicted with brain tumors.
Mickey McDonald Welker Chair of Research
Mickey McDonald Welker and her husband, Bert, met on a blind date in 2001. “Horses had been in our lives as long as we both remember, but Mickey was the true rider,” said Bert.
On February 19, 2006, Mickey was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme.
“Mickey was the multi-tiered gem in my life. Facing this, I never heard her complain and I never heard her ask why. Her mind was strong and she refused to stop fighting back.”
Mickey had a special horse, Prime Suspect, with whom she shared numerous championships. When she was sick, her one wish was to be able to see and touch him again. Her good friend and college roommate, Tory Watters, brought him to her bedside window. Watching Mickey touch the face of this horse brought tears to everyone’s eyes.
Mickey passed away in November 2007, but her competitive spirit and warm smile live on through her friends and family. Tory Watters, who is herself a brain tumor survivor, organized the “Jumping for Mickey” equestrian event, which helped to fund this Chair of Research.
Benjamin Memmott Chair of Research
Benjamin was diagnosed a year ago, at age nine, with an anaplastic astrocytoma. True to character, Benjamin responded to his cancer with strength, determination, and a sense of humor. His indomitable spirit has inspired not only his family, but his friends, their parents, his teachers, his clinicians, and a good part of their Arlington, Virginia community.
Throughout seven weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy last year, Benjamin did not miss a single day of school. He played basketball through the winter and baseball through the spring without missing a practice or game. Just one day after infusions, Benjamin struck out so many batters that the umpire presented him with the game ball.
Benjamin and his sister Abby joined the 2007 Cassidy & Pinkard Colliers Race for Hope - DC to benefit the Brain Tumor Society and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. They walked the course together and ran the final stretch to the finish line.
James F. Petersen Chair of Research
James F. Petersen was diagnosed with an inoperable glioblastoma multiforme and died less than three months later, on September 29, 2006. A native of South Chicago and a former Naval officer, Jim founded a software company, Best! Programs, with his brother. The venture grew into a multi-million dollar international business.
Jim felt no need for vast fortunes and committed the majority of his proceeds to good works. All who knew Jim agreed that he motivated people to strive for excellence and inspired others give back to society. After his success in business, Jim devoted himself to his lifelong passion for photography. His images have been used on websites, by non-profit organizations, and in advertising; they are also displayed in businesses, schools and private homes.
Jim and his wife, Debbie, moved to Wyoming, where he was inspired by the beauty of the Teton Mountains and surrounding terrain. The funding for this Chair of Research is a result of his life’s work.
Patty Roche Chair of Research
Patty Roche was born October 19, 1960. Her parents, Eileen and Bud Roche, watched proudly as she grew to be a person who respected family and demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility.
While attending Stonehill College (’84), Patty complained of severe headaches and examinations revealed a cancerous brain tumor. Patty faced her future with a positive outlook and following her first surgery in 1983, she began a career in the food industry. By 1985, Patty became Director of Personnel for Roche Bros./Sudbury Farms Supermarkets. She created, “Can We Talk?” a consumer-management communications program still used today.
Patty Roche fought bravely but lost her battle with a malignant brain tumor in September of 1986. In her memory, the Patty Roche Fund was created and helped launch the Brain Tumor Society’s Research Grant Program. Today the Roche family continues to help with the search for a cure.
Sydney Schlobohm Chair of Research
Sydney Schlobohm was eight years old when she was diagnosed with a brain stem glioma in March 2005. She passed away six months later, having fought courageously. Sydney loved life, music, art, soccer, purple, family, and friends. Her best friend was her older sister, Cristina.
Sydney touched many people with her magnetic personality. She was compassionate, had a good sense of humor, and loved going to school where she enjoyed helping her classmates. In a short time, she became an accomplished artist with one drawing published in the Washington Post. Sydney’s courage inspired many around her to help find a cure for brain tumors.
Sydney is remembered in many ways, including The Sydney Schlobohm Chair of Research. Sydney’s spirit lives on through research and will lift us to find a cure for brain tumors so that no one has to suffer again.
Kayla Wenger Chair of Research
The first years of Kayla's life were very much like those of her friends. She danced ballet. She played basketball. She practiced soccer. She hula-hooped and jumped rope endlessly. But there was something different about Kayla. That something was the malignant brain tumor discovered just after her seventh birthday. Within days of diagnosing her ependymoma, doctors removed the tumor; her surgery was followed by radiation and chemotherapy. The treatments appear to have successfully targeted the tumor. But they also left Kayla with significant physical challenges.
In spite of all the hardships she has faced, Kayla perseveres. She exhibits a rare combination of grace and tenacity that surprises many who meet her. Kayla laughs and enjoys making others laugh. She argues with her brother and sister. She memorizes Hannah Montana songs and sings them at the top of her lungs. She somehow dances without being able to walk. And Kayla remains confident that someday – soon – she will run with her friends at recess.