Dave fought a courageous battle against Glioblastoma.

Olivia Kresach lived a bright 22 years and 11 months. Olivia loved life and was ready to take the world on with so much anticipation.

Bill Riordan, born on May 10, 1964, in Evergreen Park, IL, had a golden touch from the start. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood, excelled in sports, and showed early business acumen. Bill thrived as an insurance broker, treating clients like friends and family. He leaves behind a loving wife, three children, and a legacy of warmth and determination.

Raymond Nihlean’s tireless support of the Edgewater community, volunteering in countless campaigns and organizations.

Nancy was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, stepmom and aunt… she was known as our Aunt Nan.

Nadine Levin was diagnosed with glioblastoma on September 11, 2020 at the age of 57.

Read the heartwarming poem written in honor of Donald Muss on his profile.

Mike will always be remembered in the hearts of many. He will always remain in the heart of his wife Tera, and his children Rachel and Adam.

I know that my mom is missed by all her friends and family. She is always in our thoughts. Much love always, Jason, Lara, Sam, and Zoe.

Snooky was a loving and selfless person who cherished time with family and friends. Despite her brain tumor diagnosis, she lived for over 11 years and supported BrainUp. She will be deeply missed. Let's donate to help others affected by brain tumors.

June 22nd, 1953 – August 29th, 2019
Our Tim was a kind, caring, generous and above all humble man. His first concerns in life were always for others, especially his family. So much so that his family’s mantra became “anything for Tim.
“Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years”.

1957-2009

Remembering a wonderful mother, sister, friend, and social worker. Miss you.

Major Mark Hamester, a retired US Marine Corps and co-founder of the Chicago School of Woodworking, fought anaplastic astrocytoma for 20 months. Known as "Wombat," he was brave, tenacious, and loyal. He is remembered for his kindness, love of life, faith, and love for his dogs.

October 10, 1973 - July 8, 2020

Read the beautiful letter written to John by his loving wife on his Sunflower page.

March 9, 1978-January 25, 2018

Our Stacy was a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend to many.

February 3, 1953 – April 6, 2020

"Not the story ending we had planned.

Miss you every day."

Most Loved Mother and Wife.

Even though it’s been a little over 2 years since mom has passed, she is missed just as much today as ever. She was a patient of Dr. Lucas and we are happy to support the ongoing battle to fight and treat brain tumors of all kinds.
In memory of Kathy Vierk, beloved mom, wife, and friend, we ask for your support.

I miss you, Mom! You were beautiful, my rock, my best friend, my mentor, my hero. I miss you every second of every day.

Tom Lowry, a tax attorney, and family man, loved gardening, good music, and sharing conversations over a cold beer. He faced GBM with quiet courage, surpassing all odds, and was surrounded by love until his last breath. He will be deeply missed.

Ashlyn Kiwala fought a courageous battle against brain cancer from December 2014 to March 2018. She was a graduate of Southern Illinois University, dreamt of being a crisis communications director, and loved Disney, animals, and spending time with family and friends. She was survived by her loving husband, parents, siblings, and many others who prayed for her from all over the world.

Brian fought his tumor for 11 years never complaining once. He always had hope a cure would be discovered. He never called in sick or took time off from work while undergoing all his treatments. Brian was awarded the BRAVERY award in 2017. We love him and miss him so much!

April 18, 1991 – November 29, 2017

Grant was a nine-year brain cancer survivor who lived a beautiful life of 26 years. He was known for his courage, perseverance, strength, and contagious smile. He loved playing volleyball, music, fishing, and the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team. The Hedrick family is committed to raising awareness and funds for brain cancer research in his memory.

August 6, 1954 – March 9, 2018

George, a dedicated dentist for 34 years, was passionate about his profession and constantly sought to improve. He donated generously to Garth Brooks' "Smiles for Life" program, contributing over $122,768 to benefit children. He was more than just a dentist to his patients; he was a trusted friend.

May 3, 1966 – November 13, 2017

Laurell began experiencing memory loss and was diagnosed with a Grade IV Glioblastoma affecting speech and memory. Despite the many challenges, she fought a courageous fight with grace and the support of her family and friends. The Kinsey family is committed to raising awareness and funds for brain cancer research in her memory.

Your stark absence is felt every day by all of us. Love, Shai, Riv, James, Etai, Saritte, David, Natalie, Hannah, LIam, Uma, Mia, Klara, Nomi, Eden, Sivan, Elijah, Naama & Reut.

A year and a half ago my husband, Charles Benvenuto was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. He died Wednesday March 7, 2018.
Charles was an extraordinary man. He fought this disease with bravery, dignity, humility and never lost his sense of humor. Charles was a devoted family man and we always came first for him.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Ryan Merrell and his team and Dr. Julian Bailes. Also North Shore University Health System.

Dave, a skilled carpenter and craftsman, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2017. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who was taken too early. He was known for his hard work, love for his family, and faith. His influence was a blessing to many, and prayers continue for his family and friends.

Our hearts are broken! We have lost a wonderful young lady and a beautiful soul. Maddy will always be in our hearts! We at BrainUp have never been more committed to finding a cure. Please join us in remembering Maddy McInerney, who lost her brave battle to brain cancer. Maddy, we love you.

Sadly, Maddy has passed away on November 25th, 2016.

Crystal passed away on March 6, 2018, after a brave fight against a life-threatening illness. Despite her challenges, she remained happy and taught those around her about life and love. She was a proud mother to her 13-year-old daughter. Brainup honored Crystal with the 2017 Bravery award, which meant a lot to her and gave her hope. Her family is grateful for the support of the organization.

October 23, 1958 – July 21, 2016

Kitty Reichenbach, a former employee at AbbVie, passed away after a 25-month battle with glioblastoma in July 2016. She was remembered as a loving wife and mother, and her family is determined to help other families affected by this disease. Organizations like BrainUp and the Michael Matters Foundation provide support and raise awareness for brain cancer.

September 22, 1955 – March 11, 2017

Karen Meserve was a fitness enthusiast who loved being a mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She fought bravely against thalamic glioblastoma but sadly passed away in August 2016. Karen's infectious personality and need to help others changed those around her for the better. She poured her heart into all that she did, especially being a mother. Family meant everything to her, and she loved being a friend. Karen's legacy lives on through her children, who will continue the love she left. We must continue to fight for a cure for brain cancer in her honor.

February 2018

Laurie Ann McAndrews fought bravely against glioblastoma multiforme from 2015-2018, while participating in the Brainstormers Team to fund a cure for cancer. She faced each day and challenge with a positive attitude and was grateful for the collaboration between medical teams at Rush and UIC. Her family thanks all the medical professionals who treated her, especially Dr. Nicholas and his APN Jean Arzbaecher.

Julie A. Gosselin (Dec 3, 1961 - Jun 2, 2023)

Beloved mother, wife, aunt, cousin, and friend, lost her battle to cancer. Despite her illness, she remained loving and positive, making a lasting impact on many lives. Julie's spirit continues to shine, and in her memory, donations to BrainUp are encouraged to support brain cancer awareness and research.

To know Mike was to love Mike. He had a brilliant mind, was down to earth, well liked and loved by everyone who knew him. Mike loved everyone and was the most generous person you could have ever met.

In this journey, we reassure patients and family members that they are not alone, and activate community involvement and engagement through fundraising events.