Chefs United for a Cure

October 29, 2024 at Scopa Italian Roots, Venice, CA

TICKETS AND MORE INFO

Inspiring Hope Nashville

October 9, 2024 at City Winery

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Empowering Hope Chicago

October 17, 2024 at Palmhouse, Evanston

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5 Years Ago: No Medical Research on Oligodendroglioma.

The foundations, government, and pharma had ignored our disease for decades

Today, research has started.

Families living with Oligo are taking action.

Together, we can do this.

Join Oligo Nation so we can deliver better treatments in the next 3-5 years.

Get Involved

Welcome to Oligo Nation

If you or someone you love has an oligodendroglioma, you have come to the right place. Living with what is currently an incurable disease changes your life. We know, we’re Oligo survivors, too. We are here to help you, inspire you, and—together with you—to change our future. Oligo Nation is a community-driven non-profit focused on advancing translational medical research that can lead to effective treatments within 5 years. This is a big assignment. Five years ago, there was zero research directed at Oligo. In 2024, there is meaningful oligodendroglioma research underway, but much more is needed.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US

Our Impact, Together.

We are called Oligo Nation for a reason—while we started with a handful of dedicated families eager to improve outcomes, it quickly became obvious that it will take a 'small army' to make the difference we need. With 15,000 to 20,000 people living with an Oligo in the US today, we can do this if you and others get involved. But it starts with you.

$4M

Dollars Raised

80%

Of donations go research

24

research grants made

What makes us different?

There are a number of brain cancer foundations, research institutions, cancer non-profits and numerous fine medical institutions, so what makes Oligo Nation different. In a word: everything.

Focus

We are here to drive translational research on oligodendroglioma. Nothing else. The other foundations may have ‘brain tumors’ in their name, but their focus is almost exclusively on glioblastoma (GBM). An occasional grant or blog post is different than the laser focus and commitment which is needed to bring about new treatments.

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Where Your Money Goes

More than 90% of our spending goes to research, compared to 5%-25% for the bigger foundations (NBTS, ABTA, ABC2, etc.). Our grants are 100% focused on opportunities that can translate to clinical trials for Oligo in the short-term, not just getting a mention in a published article (which seems to be how some foundations measure success!)

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Intelligent, Targeted Advocacy

We are constantly advocating for oligodendroglioma research with leading institutions and researchers. We follow the science and push for Oligo to be included in screenings and pre-clinical work. And we work with the research community to increase collaboration and sharing of research tools (such as cell lines).

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Get Involved… and Feel Better Today

As an Oligo survivor or family member, you have the power to change the future while making your life today so much fuller. How?

Take Control

Having brain cancer can make us feel powerless and isolated. By getting involved, you are taking a positive step. And taking some control back from this disease can have a big impact on your outlook. The progress we are making is a reason to be optimistic.

Feel the Love

Fundraising may sound intimidating but it is quite the opposite. By reaching out and connecting with friends, family and others and sharing your story, you allow them to do what they want to do—help. You will feel their love and support and be amazed by how generous people can be.

See the Results

What we must have are new, more effective treatments and ultimately a cure. Your involvement helps us get there—and faster. Every year we are funding new research and getting more brilliant minds focused on Oligo. We will keep in the loop every step of the way.

Get Involved

As an Oligo survivor or family member, you have the power to change the future while making your life today so much fuller. How?

Learn About Oligo

View Research

Fundraise

Become a Tissue Donor

News and Research

Stanford Research Grant

Oligo Nation made its first grant in May of 2016. This grant will allow Oligo to be included in a major clinical trial, with the brain cancer trial set to... Read More

Defining Oligo Nation

Oligo: Short for Oligodendroglioma, a form of brain cancer arising from the glial cells. There are no known cures or effective treatments. Average life expectancy is 8-10 years. Nation: A... Read More

Stories of grace and beauty #1

It has been almost two years since I started fundraising for Oligo research. In round numbers, my family’s efforts have raised close to $200,000, which is a startling number when I... Read More