Children's Brain Tumor Project

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But for families affected by them, every case is one too many. These family foundations and their supporters drive funding, advocacy and awareness for CBTP.

The community of families that participate in the Children's Brain Tumor Project is dedicated to finding new options for treating pediatric brain tumors by supporting research at Weill Cornell Medicine. The families who participate in the Children's Brain Tumor Project (CBTP) are personally invested in finding new treatment options -- and ultimately cures -- for rare and inoperable brain tumors in children and young adults. These tumors, including DIPG, gliomatosis cerebri, and AT/RT, occur so rarely that they do not get the major funding or attention that research scientists need to find a cure. The CBTP is funded in large part by a network of families who have lost loved ones to these terrible tumors, or whose families have been threatened by such a diagnosis. Dr. Mark Souweidane and Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield, Co-Directors of the CBTP at Weill Cornell, have pioneered a neuroscientific paradigm using genomic sequencing and Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED). A Phase I clinical trial is testing the safety of using (CED) to deliver a low-toxicity drug cocktail directly to the tumor site. Bench researchers are using genomic sequencing to identify genetic mutations in each patient's tumor to identify the best drugs to combat them, and investigating new ways to stop tumor progression by blocking signals from bone marrow.

10/20/2026

The countdown is ON! No Laughing Matter is THURSDAY, and we’re thrilled to welcome veteran New York television journalist Mary Civiello as our 2026 emcee!

A six-time Emmy Award winner, Mary spent two decades reporting and anchoring the news for NBC New York before founding Civiello Communications Group, where she coaches executives and leaders in communication. She has also contributed to FORTUNE, CNBC, and the BBC, earning recognition from The New York Times as the corporate executive’s “Communications Guru.”

Join Mary, our incredible comedy lineup, and the Children’s Brain Tumor Project community on October 22 at the New York Athletic Club for an unforgettable evening of laughter with a purpose.

Every ticket and donation helps advance pediatric brain tumor research and brings us closer to better treatments and new cures.

🎟️ There’s still time to join us! Grab your tickets through the link in our bio. We can’t wait to see you there!

nolaughingmatter2026.org

10/19/2026

The laughs are lining up for No Laughing Matter 2026! 🎤

Meet the incredible comedians and musical performer joining us on October 22 for an evening of comedy with a purpose.

Zarna Garg, our 2026 comedy headliner, is an outspoken Indian immigrant comedian with hit comedy specials, sold-out shows, and a New York Times bestselling memoir, This American Woman. She frequently opens for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler and is developing a new sitcom with Mindy Kaling and Kevin Hart.

Cory Kahaney Comedy was a grand finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and a semifinalist on America’s Got Talent. With comedy specials on Comedy Central and HBO, she has also performed at major comedy festivals across the country.

Jen Fulwiler is a nationally touring stand-up comedian, bestselling author, and mom of six whose viral sketches have earned millions of views. Her newest comedy special, Maternal Instinct, is available on YouTube. Her family’s own experience with pediatric brain cancer makes this cause especially personal.

Anthony Greco is a New York City-based comedian known for his signature “Tumor Humor.” After living with a brain tumor since his teens and undergoing three brain surgeries, he uses comedy to share his experience and support the cancer community.

Ryan Neal, our musical performer, is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, producer, and keynote speaker who turned his experience as a childhood brain tumor survivor into a mission of hope, storytelling, and connection.

Join us October 22 at the New York Athletic Club for an unforgettable night supporting pediatric brain tumor research. Get your tickets through the link below.

nolaughingmatter2026.org

10/16/2026

Tara Leingang is running for Children's Brain Tumor Project in memory of August.

August was born just a few weeks before Tara’s now 2-year-old son, Teddy. The boys shared the same infant room at daycare, and their families quickly became familiar faces to one another.

“Hi Teddy, Hi Teddy’s mom!” Stephen, August’s dad, would greet them each morning. Tara would reply, “Hi August, Hi August’s Dad!” The same went for August’s mom, Katharine. They shared in the simple joy of being new parents together.

Shortly after the boys turned one, August was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive central nervous system tumor. He lived only a few more months.

Tara says she often thinks about August and the future he should have had. While she has felt the loss deeply and wondered how she could help, running for CBTP is one small way she can honor August and help keep his memory alive.

“By supporting this cause, we are forwarding the fight against brain tumors and offering a brighter future to the future Augusts of the world.”

We’re honored to have Tara running with us and carrying August’s memory every mile. Donate to Tara's run through the link below. ❤️

https://cbtpfoundation.org/campaign/tcs-nyc-marathon-2026/fundraiser/155/

10/15/2026

Celebrating the People Behind No Laughing Matter 💛

Over the years, No Laughing Matter has brought people together for an evening of comedy, community, and a shared commitment to children and families impacted by brain tumors.

We are so grateful for the generous support of our honorees who have helped shape this event throughout the years. From the Comedy Kids and John Rivera in 2018, Mike and Emmie Minter in 2019, Tim and Barbara Michels in 2021, and Veronica Marsano in 2022, to Meryl Witmer in 2023, Jon and Brittany Cogan in 2024, Nancy Goodman in 2025, and Gretchen Scott this year, each has played a meaningful role in the No Laughing Matter story.

Their generosity and commitment help make this evening about so much more than laughter. Every gathering brings us closer to our mission of advancing pediatric brain tumor research through the Children’s Brain Tumor Project.

To everyone who has supported, championed, and celebrated this event over the years, thank you for being part of something that matters.

We look forward to another memorable evening on October 22! 💛

nolaughingmatter2026.org

10/14/2026

As we count down to No Laughing Matter 2026, we’re celebrating Tara Lipton, who has served as dinner chair since the event’s inaugural year in 2018. 💛

After her son Walker was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age six, Tara turned her family’s experience into a lasting commitment to helping other children and families facing a similar journey. Her dedication has helped grow No Laughing Matter into a cornerstone fundraiser supporting pediatric brain tumor research at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Alongside mom Sandi Feinberg, Tara continues to support this mission through their philanthropic efforts, helping bring hope to families who need it most.

We’re grateful for Tara’s leadership and the passion she brings to this cause year after year.

Join us October 22 for No Laughing Matter, an evening of comedy with a serious purpose. Get your tickets through the link in our bio.

nolaughingmatter2026.org

10/13/2026

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), now classified as a type of Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), is a rare and aggressive pediatric brain tumor that develops in the brainstem and continues to challenge researchers working to improve outcomes for children.

Because of its location and how these tumors grow, treatment options remain limited. Researchers are working to better understand DIPG/DMG and develop new approaches through precision medicine, tumor immunology, developmental biology, and enhanced drug delivery.

Cristian Rivera and Lily Dauksa’s stories are powerful reminders of why this work matters. Their courage and the advocacy of their families continue to inspire research, raise awareness, and bring hope to children and families facing a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis.

💛 Get involved or donate today to support groundbreaking research at the Children’s Brain Tumor Project at Weill Cornell Medicine and help bring us closer to better treatments for DIPG/DMG.

10/12/2026

For Ivan Tornos, CEO of Zimmer Biomet, supporting No Laughing Matter is deeply personal.

Ivan and his family know firsthand what it means to hear the words no parent ever expects to hear: that your child has a tumor.

After his daughter was diagnosed with a pediatric spinal cord tumor, their family experienced the fear, uncertainty, and extraordinary courage that come with a frightening diagnosis. Last year, his daughter bravely joined us on stage at No Laughing Matter to share her story — a moment we will never forget.

That personal connection makes Zimmer Biomet’s return as our Kings of Comedy Sponsor for the second consecutive year especially meaningful to all of us.

Ivan, thank you for turning your family’s experience into support for other children and families, and thank you to the entire Zimmer Biomet team for continuing to stand behind the research that gives families more options, more time, and more hope.

We are honored to have you with us again this year. ❤️

nolaughingmatter2026.org

10/09/2026

We are incredibly grateful to welcome back Zimmer Biomet as our Kings of Comedy Sponsor for No Laughing Matter — for the second year in a row!

Their continued support helps make this special evening possible and, more importantly, fuels the pediatric brain tumor research happening every day through the Children’s Brain Tumor Project.

Partnerships like this allow our researchers to keep pushing boundaries, pursuing new treatments, and creating hope for children and families facing devastating diagnoses.

Thank you, Zimmer Biomet, for standing with our doctors, our researchers, and our families once again. We are so proud to have you as part of the No Laughing Matter family.

🎤 No Laughing Matter
📅 October 22
📍 New York Athletic Club

10/08/2026

Meet TCS NYC Marathon runner Andrew George. 🤍

Andrew is running this year’s marathon in support of Children’s Brain Tumor Project, a mission that has become especially meaningful to him this year.

“I’m honored to be running the marathon in support of CBTP and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone in my network who has contributed so far. Your generosity and support have been a huge source of motivation throughout my training.

The mission of CBTP has become especially meaningful for me this year, as the son of close friends was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. Witnessing his courage, and the incredible strength and resilience of his entire family, has been truly inspiring.

Their strength has given me an entirely new perspective throughout my preparation for the race, and I want to raise as much as I possibly can for this cause.”

We’re grateful to have Andrew running with Team CBTP and helping raise support for children and families affected by brain tumors. We’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.

https://cbtpfoundation.org/campaign/tcs-nyc-marathon-2026/fundraiser/146/

10/07/2026

No Laughing Matter is coming up October 22!

Join the Children’s Brain Tumor Project for an unforgettable night at the New York Athletic Club featuring an incredible lineup of laughter, celebration, and support for children and families affected by brain tumors.

Headliner: Zarna Garg
Honoree: Gretchen Scott
Tickets: Grab yours and join us for the evening
Sponsorships: Sponsorship opportunities are available for those who want to make an even bigger impact.

It’s a night to come together, celebrate the progress being made, and help fund the research that gives children with brain tumors more reasons to look toward the future.

October 22 | New York Athletic Club

🎟️ Get your tickets or learn more about sponsorship opportunities on our website.

nolaughingmatter2026.org

Address

525 E. 68th Street, Box 99
New York, NY
10065

Website

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=wcmc&id=52, https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/

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