Meet the pioneers driving breakthrough science, bold leadership, and life-changing progress for patients and families.
Greg Cantwell was 30 years old when he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a grade IV primary brain tumor, in 2004. Although he had the support of family and friends, he did not know anyone who could truly relate to the fight he was about to face—or anyone who had survived the same type of cancer.
In 2012, Greg founded Greg’s Mission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting patients, families, and caregivers affected by brain tumors, especially Glioblastoma Multiforme. Through Greg’s Mission, he provides support, hope, education, current resources, advocacy, and awareness through phone calls, email, Skype, and personal visits.
Greg has dedicated his life to making sure no person diagnosed with a brain tumor has to go through the experience alone, and that no family member or caregiver is left without support. Since founding Greg’s Mission, he has helped more than 10,328 patients, families, and caregivers navigate the brain tumor journey.
In addition to his work through Greg’s Mission, Greg volunteers as a patient mentor and advocate with organizations including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, and Imerman Angels. He has also spoken at pharmaceutical companies including MERCK, EMD Serono, EISAI, and Arbor Pharmaceuticals.
Greg has shared his experience and advocacy work at major conferences and institutions, including the American Society of Neuroradiology, the International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development, and the University of Iowa Psychosocial Neuro Science Conference.
Greg’s Mission has become his life’s work. He believes he survived his devastating diagnosis for a reason: to provide much-needed support from someone who can honestly say, “I know how you feel. I have been in your shoes.” Greg has walked a path of uncertainty himself, and he continues to walk alongside patients diagnosed with GBM, as well as their families and caregivers—past, present, and future.
In 2015, Greg was recognized as one of CURE Magazine’s GBM Heroes, an honor given to four individuals for going above and beyond the standard of GBM care.
