AJ Strong

I first learned about GBM at 4 a.m. — the day my dad called me to tell me that my older brother AJ had been diagnosed with it. No more than 72 hours later, he was due for surgery.

I packed my family up, got on a plane from LA to Minneapolis, and started googling GBM IV. It was hard to believe what I was reading. How could such a deadly disease have so few treatment options, and such a small window of time to fight it.

My 35-year-old brother was smart, strong, and healthy. How could this happen to him?

I was fortunate to have made it to see him prior to surgery and again a few times in the 31 months following. He fought hard. He passed in February 2020. I’m so thankful he avoided the COVID lockdowns and also so sad his time on earth was cut short.

I’ve been walking and freezing with NBTS ever since. We can and will find a cure.

TAGGED WITH: #GBMDay

Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.