Brain Cancer Awareness Grows with Amber Barbach’s Mission
Amber Barbach and GBMRO lead brain cancer awareness this May with fundraising events and impactful partnerships for glioblastoma research. The post Brain Cancer Awareness Grows with Amber Barbach’s Mission appeared first on Haute Living.
Photo Credit: Amber Barbach
May marks National Brain Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the urgent need for research and resources to combat glioblastoma. One woman making an extraordinary impact in this field is Amber Barbach, a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and founder of the Glioblastoma Research Organization (GBMRO).
Amber’s drive to create meaningful change stems from a deeply personal place. After her father’s battle with glioblastoma ended in heartbreak, she turned her grief into purpose. She founded GBMRO with a vision to raise awareness and accelerate progress in finding a cure for this aggressive brain cancer.
Glioblastoma, diagnosed in over 13,000 Americans annually, remains one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer. With limited treatment options and low survival rates, the need for research and innovation is greater than ever. Amber’s nonprofit has become a powerful voice in this battle.
Through GBMRO, Amber has helped launch and fully fund 11 research initiatives across major cancer centers in the United States. These include partnerships with respected institutions like UHealth at the University of Miami, the Cleveland Clinic, and Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Her commitment to innovation and collaboration is what sets GBMRO apart. The organization bridges gaps between researchers and funding, allowing new treatments and studies to gain traction where traditional support often falls short.
Photo Credit: Amber Barbach
This May, GBMRO is celebrating Brain Cancer Awareness Month with several creative campaigns designed to educate the public while raising critical funds for research. These efforts bring awareness to the community in fun and meaningful ways.
One of the standout initiatives is “Scoops for a Cure,” a partnership with Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. The NYC-based brand is known for its artisanal dairy and vegan ice creams, and now, it’s putting its popularity to good use.
Throughout the month of May, a portion of proceeds from sales of Van Leeuwen’s Earl Grey Tea flavor will go directly to GBMRO. This collaboration not only supports vital research but also helps inform a broader audience about glioblastoma’s impact.
A special event will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 4–6 p.m. at Van Leeuwen’s Upper East Side shop in New York City. Customers can meet GBMRO founder Amber Barbach and Van Leeuwen CEO Ben Van Leeuwen, who will personally scoop ice cream to thank supporters and raise additional awareness.
Another thoughtful collaboration comes in the form of a wellness product: the Hugimals “Heart to Hug Pillow.” Launching May 1, this limited-edition pillow was created in partnership with Hugimals World and is designed in “Soothing Gray,” the official awareness color for brain cancer.
Photo Credit: Hugimals
The 4.5-pound weighted pillow offers comfort and emotional support, making it a fitting symbol for those affected by glioblastoma. It’s not just a cozy gift—it’s a way to give back. Ten percent of every sale will go directly to support GBMRO’s research efforts.
Available exclusively at HugimalsWorld.com, the Heart to Hug Pillow is both a meaningful purchase and a heartfelt contribution to a greater cause. It’s another example of how GBMRO is expanding awareness through innovative partnerships.
Amber’s entrepreneurial spirit and relentless dedication continue to inspire those around her. From honoring her father’s memory to fueling groundbreaking research, she’s become a vital force in the brain cancer advocacy space.
By combining passion with purpose, Amber and GBMRO are not just changing lives—they’re also shifting the narrative around glioblastoma. Through fundraising, education, and research, they offer hope where there once was little.
Her work also underscores how personal loss can become a catalyst for change. What started as a daughter’s tribute has now blossomed into a growing movement supported by researchers, businesses, and compassionate individuals around the world.
Photo Credit: Amber Barbach
National Brain Cancer Awareness Month provides the perfect moment to pause and recognize how far we’ve come—and how much more needs to be done. Organizations like GBMRO play a critical role in pushing boundaries and fostering innovation.
Amber Barbach stands at the intersection of grief and grit, transforming personal tragedy into community empowerment. Thanks to her vision, patients and families battling glioblastoma can look forward to a future filled with hope.
As May unfolds, consider supporting the Glioblastoma Research Organization in one of the many ways offered this month. Whether through a scoop of Earl Grey Tea ice cream or the purchase of a soothing pillow, every small action contributes to a bigger goal: ending glioblastoma for good.
The post Brain Cancer Awareness Grows with Amber Barbach’s Mission appeared first on Haute Living.
