Grey May 2025 Raises over $185,000!

Grey May 2025: A Powerful Month of Brain Tumour Awareness and Action

Every May, Australians unite to shine a light on one of the most devastating and underfunded forms of cancer—brain tumours. Grey May 2025 was no exception. This year, with record-breaking support and inspiring community efforts, we came together to fund research, share stories, and change lives.

Thank You for Making Grey May 2025 a Huge Success

In 2025, the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation (NRF) once again challenged Australians to Go Grey in May to raise awareness and critical funds for life-saving brain tumour research. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised over $185,000!

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Why Did We Go Grey in May?

Brain tumours remain one of the most devastating forms of cancer, affecting thousands of Australians each year. Despite the urgent need for new treatments, brain tumour research remains significantly underfunded. Every dollar raised during Grey May goes directly towards pioneering research that improves survival rates, develops new therapies, and offers hope to patients and families.

How You Got Involved

From donations to the Grey May Appeal, online auction bids and raffle entries, to proudly wearing grey merchandise like badges, beanies and brain socks—your involvement sparked conversations and spread awareness across the country. Many honoured loved ones by dedicating Stars of Hope, creating a powerful collective tribute to those impacted by brain tumours.

Your Impact

The $185,000+ raised this May is already supporting vital brain tumour research across Australia. This includes early-stage clinical trials, the development of innovative diagnostic tools, and promising new treatment strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Thanks to the power of community action, Grey May 2025 has been a landmark success. We’re inspired by your dedication and excited to push forward towards a future where brain tumours are no longer a devastating diagnosis.

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Inside the Lab: Progress in Brain Cancer Research

A highlight of Grey May 2025 was the NRF Research Update and Lab Tour, held at the Centre for Cancer Biology. Attendees had the rare opportunity to gain a behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge brain tumour research taking place right here in South Australia.

We extend our sincere thanks to the brilliant researchers who presented their work—ranging from early lab discoveries exploring new GBM treatment possibilities to exciting updates on Adelaide’s CAR-T cell clinical trials. These insights show that every avenue is being explored in the fight against brain cancer.

NRF Executive Officer Ginta Orchard also highlighted the vital support services available for patients and families—because no one should face brain cancer alone.

The message from the day was clear: collaboration is our superpower. South Australia’s research community is combining its strengths to pioneer new methods of understanding and treating brain cancer, laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs.

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Spotlight on Care: Supporting the CNNSA Annual Breakfast

As part of Grey May 2025, we were proud to support the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) SA State Group Annual Breakfast, held under the theme “What’s New in Brain Cancer.”

This inspiring event brought together a passionate group of healthcare professionals and researchers who shared valuable insights on palliative radiotherapy, brain cancer nursing support, CAR-T cell therapy, and clinical trials. It was a privilege to hear from experts dedicated to improving care and outcomes for patients and their families.

A heartfelt thank you to the organisers and all who attended—events like this foster essential collaboration and continue to push the boundaries of care, research, and innovation in the brain cancer space.

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Grey May Cocktail Party Closes the Month in Style

Our final event for Grey May 2025 was the annual Grey May Cocktail Party, which welcomed over 50 attendees and provided a fitting close to a powerful month of awareness, connection, and community action.

We warmly thank our guest speakers—A/Prof Santosh Poonnoose, NRF Executive Officer Ginta Orchard, and A/Prof Hien Le—for their insightful contributions. A special thank you also goes to NRF President Dr Nick Vodos for hosting the evening and to the Cathedral Hotel for their generous hospitality.

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Community Champions Making a Difference

Munno Para Foodland Steps Up for Brain Tumour Research

Once again, Munno Para Foodland stood proudly with us throughout May, offering $2 donation tokens at the checkout with all proceeds going directly to the Grey May Appeal.

This year, their support became even more personal. Andrew, a much-loved staff member, bravely shaved his head on 30 May in honour of his mum, who has been impacted by a brain tumour. Through his fundraiser, Andrew raised an incredible $2,072.52—a heartfelt tribute that moved our community and reminded us all why research matters.

We’re deeply grateful to Andrew and the entire Munno Para Foodland team for their commitment, generosity, and community spirit. Your efforts are helping us get closer to our $200,000 goal for vital brain tumour research.

United for a Cause: Brave for Dave Raises $6,500

We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Brave for Dave for their passionate and inspiring efforts throughout Grey May 2025. This year, they raised an incredible $6,500 in support of brain cancer awareness and research.

A special thank you goes to the many sporting clubs and organisations who joined the cause, including Barmera-Monash Football Club, Loxton Football Club, Berri Hockey Club, Riverland Netball Association, St Joseph’s School Barmera, and Barmera Netball Club.

To the entire Brave for Dave community—thank you. Your generosity and drive are helping to change the story of brain cancer for the better.

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Looking Ahead

While Grey May has come to a close, our mission continues. The strength, compassion and determination shown this May remind us what’s possible when a community comes together.

Thank you for going grey, for giving generously, and for believing in a future where brain cancer no longer takes lives too soon. We look forward to sharing more progress—and more hope—with you in the months ahead.

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Thanks to our 2025 partners who helped us raise $185,000+