For Patients & Families

The Nervous System Tumor Bank (NSTB) established a post-mortem donation program in 2015 that focuses on improving our understanding of glioma during the end stages of the disease. Glioma, with the most aggressive form being glioblastoma (GBM), is a devastating disease for which investigators all over the world are working to improve treatments and outcomes for patients. The results of our gracious donors have helped progress our understanding of glioma to identify potential therapeutic strategies.  

After passing, some patients and families wish to make a brain donation. Brain donation may provide families new information regarding their loved one’s disease progression while also making a difference in research endeavors. The NSTB team works closely with the neurooncology team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital to introduce and educate patients about the possibility of whole brain donation. We understand this decision can be very difficult and the conversations surrounding a loved ones passing may be difficult to have. Our team encourages all families and loved ones to ask as many questions as they need to reach a decision that is right for them.

On the Brain & Spinal Cord Donation Program page, you can read through some of the most commonly asked questions regarding brain donation.

If you would like to contact the research team directly, please email nervous.system.tumor.bank@northwestern.edu. Our staff are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.