Hope Starts Here 2025
This year's Hope Start Here Challenge is set for Saturday, June 14!
The Incredible Bank Hope Starts Here Challenge is an annual event that raises funds and awareness for the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (UMBTC).
Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center
In collaboration with U.P. Health Systems - Marquette, the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (UMBTC) works to better understand how glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) works in the human brain.
Upcoming Event
International Brain Tumor Awareness Week is this week. We are hosting an open house to see the lab on Thursday, the 30th of October, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. There will be snacks provided. Immediately following the open house, a talk will be given by our guest speaker, Dr. Parvez Akhtar from UP Oncolytics, who will discuss how the Zika virus could be used as a potential therapeutic agent. This talk will be held in the Science Building, Room 2904.
Mission
Our mission is to advance the understanding and treatment of gliomas by bridging fundamental cancer biology with translational innovation. We are dedicated to uncovering the molecular mechanisms that drive tumor initiation, progression, and resistance, while developing sensitive, reliable diagnostic assays that can improve early detection and patient outcomes.
Vision
We envision a future where brain cancers, particularly gliomas, are detected early, diagnosed accurately, and treated with precision. By pioneering next-generation diagnostic assays and driving discoveries in fundamental cancer biology, our lab aspires to transform how gliomas are understood and managed—ultimately improving survival, quality of life, and hope for patients worldwide.
Hope Starts Here Challenge
The Incredible Bank Hope Starts Here Challenge raises funds and awareness for the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (UMBTC). The UMBTC is a collaborative effort between UP Health System, Northern Michigan University and the Superior Health Foundation. Its mission is to empower patients and families dealing with brain tumor through advocacy, research, education, and treatment.
U.P. Health Systems - Marquette
The defining partnership of the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center is with the Brain & Spine Center at Upper Peninsula Health System - Marquette. UPHS - Marquette provides clinical experience to students as well as treatment options for neuro-oncology patients.
Publications
Understanding the "how" of brain cancer is the key to creating less invasive and more effective treatments for GBM patients. In addition to research in the lab, students are involved with Students for the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center - a student organization that advocates on behalf of cancer patients and their families through fundraisers, volunteering, and the ChemoCare basket program.
Student Research Experience
Hands-on research experience, interaction with field professionals, opportunities for research fellowships, and working alongside experienced professors in an established lab that has ties all across the country. At UMBTC, Students learn research techniques while improving the neuro-oncology field's understanding of glioblastoma multiforme - ultimately improving treatment methods and outcomes.