Kyra's Story
Nothing describes Kyra more than how she lit up every room she entered with her energy and smile. Drawn in by her enthusiastic persona and warm hugs, those around Kyra cherished her presence. She was the lively daughter, guiding sibling, relied upon friend, devoted partner, and dependable colleague. Kyra gathered friends together, brought warmth and honesty into every conversation, and turned ordinary evenings into memories that will last forever. Between insisting on sitting on the classroom floor in seventh grade Spanish because it apparently helped her concentrate or believing she was somehow connected to Abraham Lincoln as a relative or former spouse, Kyra saw the world through her own unique lens and those around her will always be better for it.
The duality of Kyra made her eccentric and unforgettable. She both carried conversations and was an exemplary listener. Her perfect night included dancing at a club, sitting on the couch binge watching reality television, or hosting game nights with friends. You could find Kyra relaxing at a spa or hiking the hills of Los Angeles. Kyra enjoyed both the warmth of Billy Joel and adrenaline of The Chainsmokers. Though her room was always messy with scattered about clothes, Kyra’s colleagues admired her organization at work. Kyra was truly one of a kind.
Kyra was diagnosed at 27 years old with a type of glioblastoma multiforme, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Kyra pursued treatment options with unwavering determination while prioritizing what mattered most to her: time with loved ones, laughter with friends, music, consuming popular culture, and creating beautiful memories. In the face of unimaginable circumstances, Kyra led with courage, bravery, grit, strength, and authenticity.
About The Kyra Fund
In partnership with the Glioblastoma Research Organization (GBMRO), The Kyra Fund will support urgently needed research for individuals with glioblastomas. Glioblastoma remains one of the deadliest cancers, with limited treatment options and far too few breakthroughs. Through this partnership, donations made in Kyra's honor will help accelerate promising research with the goal of ultimately finding a cure for this devastating illness. We hope this fund will help future Kyras.
Founded in 2018, the GBMRO is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to funding innovative glioblastoma research and raising awareness about this unfathomable disease. Since its inception, the organization has raised more than $5.2 million and funded 17 research projects at leading institutions around the world. Guided by an esteemed Scientific Advisory Board composed of experts in neuro-oncology and brain tumor research, the GBMRO carefully evaluates and invests in projects with the greatest potential to advance the field and bring hope to patients facing this diagnosis.
Funds raised through this campaign will support a new immunotherapy research project focused on glioblastoma. Immunotherapy is an approach to treatment that seeks to help the body's immune system recognize and attack tumor cells that have historically been difficult to target. Our family believes immunotherapy is a promising area of glioblastoma research. Specific studies supported through this fund will be determined and described at a later date.
For more information, please visit: https://www.gbmresearch.org
Together, through Kyra's story, we have the opportunity to make a difference.
Every donation, every shared memory, and every act of support honors Kyra's remarkable spirit. Thank you for celebrating Kyra, standing beside her family, and joining us in the fight against glioblastoma.
As more research is identified and funded through The Kyra Fund, updates will be shared on this page so that everyone who has supported this effort can see its impact.