Every Step for Brian: Running for Brain Cancer Research

Michelle is running to honour Brian’s incredible journey with glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer, and to support the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation’s vital work advancing neurosurgical research.

For Michelle and her family, brain disease is not an abstract cause. It has touched their lives in deeply personal ways, through both Michelle’s own experience and Brian’s long journey with multiple sclerosis before his GBM diagnosis.

Support Michelle’s City-Bay fundraiser here.

I’m running to support the incredible work of the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation, in honour of my husband Brian and his brave, inspiring journey with GBM, an aggressive malignant brain tumour.
Brian loved running — it was his joy, his freedom, One of his proudest achievements was completing the Big M Marathon from Frankston to Melbourne.

Continuing that passion now feels like the most meaningful way to carry his spirit forward. Every step I take is for him, and for everyone facing the challenges of brain cancer.

By supporting this fundraiser, you’re helping advance vital neurosurgical research that brings much-needed hope.

Our family knows all too well the impact of neurosurgical disease. Brian was first diagnosed with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis 25 years ago, just 6 months before our wedding day. Then 13 years ago I suffered a ruptured arteriovenous malformation which left me paralysed down my left side, intubated and on life support.

Fortunately, with Brian by my side I was able to make a full recovery. We had no idea what was still to come.

Two years ago when Brian started showing new symptoms we presumed it was his MS progressing. However, when they did a brain scan they discovered a new 5cm brain lesion and thus began our journey with GBM.

Brian was able to apply his marathon mindset to his health issues which served him well. It was my absolute privilege to be his carer. Every cell of my body was focused on caring for him during that time.
Your generosity means more than I can say, and I know Brian would be proud to see his love of running turned into something that can help others.

Thank you for standing with me.

This Sunday, Michelle will take on the City-Bay in Brian’s memory, raising funds to support vital brain cancer research.
Support Michelle’s fundraiser here.