I am running the 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon in support of The Outlier Fund
My Story
A few days after the 2024 Pittsburgh Half Marathon, everything changed.
My mom was suddenly in the ER with a mass in her brain. Within days, she was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM)—an aggressive cancer with few options and no good outcomes.
That summer, my siblings and I became her caregivers. There were ups and downs, moments of love and moments of struggle—but we made the most of the time we had.
She passed away just five months later, in October 2024, a month before her 69th birthday.
For over a decade, I’ve run to support causes I care about—primarily local animal shelters—raising more than $13,000 along the way.
Last year, I ran in her honor.
This year, I’m stepping forward with more intention.
I’m taking on the full marathon and running with The Outlier Fund, focused specifically on fighting GBM.
My mom was an outlier in her own way—strong, independent, and never afraid to do things differently, even when the world told her not to. She loved supporting animal rescues—places that give a second chance to those who don’t always fit the mold.
That’s a big part of why this matters to me.
The Outlier Fund is working to push boundaries in a disease that desperately needs new thinking, better treatment, and real progress.
My goal is to raise $2,000. And if I hit that goal, I’ll run the full marathon in my kilt.
I’m not just running just to finish—I’m running to make an impact.
If you’re able to donate, I’d truly appreciate your support. Every contribution helps push forward progress against GBM and honors my mom in a meaningful way.
Thank you.
—Justin
Description
The Outlier Fund (found at www.theoutlierfund.org) is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting research and treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), a particularly aggressive and difficult-to-treat form of brain cancer. The organization was founded with the mission of advancing research, providing patient support, and funding innovative treatments for this devastating disease.
Mission and Focus
The core mission of The Outlier Fund is to support efforts to accelerate progress in the fight against glioblastoma. The fund aims to:
Promote Research: It funds and partners with scientific research initiatives that are working toward finding more effective treatments and potential cures for glioblastoma.
Support Patients: The organization also focuses on providing resources and support to patients battling GBM, helping them navigate their treatment options and improving their quality of life.
Raise Awareness: Increasing awareness of glioblastoma, its impact, and the urgent need for better treatments is also a key focus for the fund.
Glioblastoma and Its Challenges
Glioblastoma is known for being one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancers. It has a poor prognosis, and current treatment options (including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy) are often ineffective at significantly extending survival or improving patient outcomes. The organization aims to address this by funding research into new treatments, therapies, and potential cures, as well as supporting clinical trials.
Activities and Partnerships
The Outlier Fund works with researchers, healthcare professionals, and other organizations to foster collaboration and facilitate breakthroughs in glioblastoma research. By supporting cutting-edge science and exploring novel treatment options, the fund hopes to bring new hope to patients and families affected by the disease.
Additionally, The Outlier Fund often focuses on unconventional or emerging approaches that show promise but may not yet be fully mainstream or adequately funded.
Getting Involved
The Outlier Fund offers various ways for individuals to get involved or contribute, including:
Donating: Financial contributions are crucial to advancing the organization’s mission, and they offer opportunities for individuals to donate to support their work.
Fundraising: People can also host fundraising events or participate in campaigns to help raise awareness and generate support for glioblastoma research.
Advocacy and Awareness: Helping to raise awareness about glioblastoma and the work being done by The Outlier Fund can contribute to increased funding and attention for this critical cause.
The Outlier Fund is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the fight against glioblastoma by supporting research, patient care, and advocacy. With a focus on innovative solutions, it hopes to create lasting change in the way glioblastoma is treated, ultimately improving outcomes for patients affected by this challenging and deadly form of cancer.
For more details, you can visit our official website: www.theoutlierfund.org.
Recent Donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 16 | The Holmes Family | $107.35 |
| Apr 16 | Heather Saxon | $107.35 |
| Apr 16 | M. Ryan | $27.48 |
| Apr 16 | Justin Williams | $54.10 |
| Apr 15 | Stephen Hoeplinger | $50.00 |
| Apr 15 | Anonymous | $160.60 |
