Inspirational Story

JOHN ‘JB’ BRACE
Chris Elliott Fund Ambassador
7-Year Glioblastoma Brain Cancer Survivor

John ‘JB’ Brace has defied the odds of one of the deadliest cancers – glioblastoma brain cancer (GBM). Prior to his diagnosis he was living the American dream—two beautiful daughters, a loving wife, a nice house, dogs, ponies and a tree house. His life’s purpose was providing for them. John was also an avid biker, skier and climber. In July 2002 he experienced a vice gripping headache and had a subsequent MRI. The doctor removed a golf ball size tumor from his brain. At 43 years old JB was given a year and a half to live with a three percent chance to survive that long.

After getting this news he did what most people do when they want to know something, ‘Google it’. JB spent the next day and night looking for glioblastoma survivors to learn about their experience with GBM. There were very few.

John started a successful series of treatments that included radiation, and chemo, with MRIs every six months. Within a year a small tumor appeared. He was treated with the ‘gamma knife’ and put under hospice care. The tumor came back two years later, which required surgery and left JB paralyzed on the left side. He continued battling this life threatening disease. In late 2005 his MRI’s were coming back clean showing no new tumor growth. The following year John was discharged from hospice.

Today, JB lives independently following his divorce. There is no medical explanation why he has beat the odds. JB believes it’s because he never gave up, never gave into the glioblastoma and always kept hope in his heart.

JB wants to share his hope with every glioblastoma survivor. With his vision and a little help from his friends, John has launched GlioSurvivors to do just that. If you are a GBM survivor or know a survivor please register at www.gliosurvivors.org.