Support for Life Saving Brain Tumor Research

Dear Friends,

I am reaching out to ask for your support of brain tumor research at Johns Hopkins—research that saved my life.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC). Faced with this life-or-death situation, my family and I met with several surgeons at Johns Hopkins. Some recommended a craniotomy with significant facial reconstruction to reach the tumor buried deep in my forehead.

Then I met Dr. Gary Gallia and Dr. Doug Reh.

These extraordinary physicians guided me through the most frightening chapter of my life. Their dedication and expertise during an 11-hour surgery not only spared my face—they saved my life. My gratitude for them grows deeper every day.

Drs. Gallia and  Reh have a remarkable history, having co-authored papers, collaborated in the Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratories, and led transformative research on skull base tumors. Their work has accelerated discoveries that now offer real hope to patients like me. 

Ongoing research at the Hopkins Neurosurgery Skull Base Tumor Center continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. Yet federal funding cuts have severely restricted their ability to advance this critical work.  To help this life-changing research continue, I am matching every gift, dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000 with a goal of raising $50,000 for the Skull Base Tumor Center.

And because Giving Tuesday is a day when people around the world join together to support causes that matter, I can think of no better moment to rally support for the lifesaving research that gave me a second chance at life.

I hope you will join me.  Together, we can fuel lifesaving research, support world-class clinicians, and offer hope to those who will face this diagnosis in the future.

This is a tax-deductible write-off to all who give.

With sincere gratitude,
Johnny Chanel