The Legacy of Glenn Garcelon
Since 2012, the Glenn Garcelon Foundation has issued 406 grants to assist brain tumor patients in need across 47 states and Puerto Rico. Grants have been used to cover the cost of mortgage payments, rent, insurance, co-pays, deductibles, groceries, utilities, specialized equipment, treatment related travel and lodging expenses, and more --all things that most of us take for granted every day. Life with a brain tumor carries with it more than just physical challenges. Our goal is to ease some of the financial burden that so often adds to the already overwhelming stress of a diagnosis and treatment.
The Glenn Garcelon Foundation and its mission to improve the quality of life of brain tumor survivors, caregivers and their families by providing emotional and financial support, was inspired by the life of Glenn Garcelon who dedicated his life to helping others. He worked for FEMA for thirty years. He also volunteered his time reading books on tape for the blind, implementing a student/mentor reading program at a local elementary school, volunteering in a crisis call center and hospital and regularly donating blood and plasma. Glenn had an incredibly quick wit and dry sense of humor. His smile lit up the darkest of rooms, as he radiated a happiness and vibrancy that spread to all around him.
A beloved husband, father, granddad, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, boss, coworker, mentor, and friend, Glenn was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer in September 2004 and passed away on April 5, 2008.
Without knowing it, Glenn taught others the value of “paying it forward.” The family heard over and over again about how Glenn “grew people” - how he guided them and empowered them. How he helped them realize their true potential and encouraged them to exceed their own expectations. The logo of the Foundation is the imagine of an oak tree with “branches” made up of people with outstretched arms. This tree signifies the commitment of the Glenn Garcelon Foundation to pay it forward by reaching out to help brain tumor patients and their families.
The Glenn Garcelon Foundation is an all-volunteer organization. No one draws a salary. As a result, all funds raised above nominal administrative expenses and the costs of our fundraising events go directly to brain tumor patients in need. Please consider making a donation of whatever size works for you to help us continue to honor our mission in serving this important population.
"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." ~ Amelia Earhart