The Anna Kathrene Smith Brain Tumor Research and Patient Care Fund
Advancing Care, Community, and Research for Young Adults with Brain Cancer
Young adults facing a brain tumor diagnosis often navigate challenges distinct from those of other age groups. Just as they’re launching careers, building relationships, continuing education, or establishing independence, they are forced to confront a life-altering illness. The Anna Kathrene Smith Brain Tumor Research and Patient Care Fund was established by Penelope Smith, in honor of her daughter Anna Kathrene Smith, to support this resilient, underserved community and to advance scientific discovery in the treatment of gliomas.
When Anna was 27, she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Her neurosurgeon in her hometown told her that her tumor was inoperable.
"This young, vivacious, and creative woman persevered AND with outstanding surgical and post-operative multi-specialty care at UCSF, survives to this day!" Penelope said.
Anna’s passion for life should serve as an example to young, similarly situated brain tumor patients to avail themselves of all the programs that UCSF provides through this fund. She is thankful to have found high-quality, caring providers at UCSF.
One of the main goals of the fund is to support care, education, and research that enhance the quality of life for glioma patients and their families. We focus on symptom management and survivorship, under the guidance of Susan Chang, MD, Anna's treating neuro-oncologist and the Director of Supportive Care Services in the Division of Neuro-Oncology.
Thanks to this fund, we are able to provide innovative, age-specific, holistic programming for young adults living with brain cancer, including:
- In-person retreats that offer wellness activities, education, and authentic connection among peers who truly understand.
- Young Adults with Brain Tumor Support (YABS) group: A peer-led monthly virtual support group that fosters emotional support and camaraderie.
- Educational webinars and resources that equip young adults with vital tools, knowledge, and information.
- Cognitive and emotional care to reduce the impact of thinking changes from the tumor and related treatment.
- Support for caregivers and care partners as they navigate the changes resulting from a brain tumor diagnosis in a young adult
In addition to these supportive care initiatives, the fund equally supports translational and clinical brain tumor research, with a preference for glioma-focused studies, as determined by the Director of the UCSF Brain Tumor Center, Mitchel Berger, MD. Through scientific discovery and clinical trials, innovative approaches, such as targeted therapies, have significantly altered treatment paradigms, sparing young adults radiation and chemotherapy and the long-term side effects associated with these modalities. This fund will hopefully accelerate new and effective treatment options available to patients.
We are so grateful to Penny for her generosity in honoring Anna, who is truly an inspiration to young adult patients with brain cancer. Despite dealing with side effects from treatment, Anna remains positive and resilient, reinforcing the importance of continued research and community support.
By bridging research and compassionate care, the Anna Kathrene Smith Fund offers young adults with brain cancer hope, healing, and a strong community of support — ensuring that no one has to face these challenges alone.