George’s Journey Facing Brain Cancer
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- George Kolasa was living his dream life as a fashion executive in New York City when in February 2022, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma - the most common form of brain cancer. In this special episode of Cancer Straight Talk from MSK, George and his husband Justin take us on their journey as cancer patient and caregiver as it has unfolded in real time over the past year.
We see George quickly evolve from accepting his disease to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for rare cancer research through Cycle for Survival. George finds purpose in his diagnosis by helping others and spreading his message of hope, even as he confronts reality. As George’s memory, speech and ability to walk declines, Justin leans in to the challenges of being a caregiver and also learns the importance of asking for help. As we follow George to his many tests, treatments, and checkups with MSK neuro-oncologist Alexandra Miller and her compassionate team of nurses, we witness the special bond formed between patients and care teams at MSK and see a couple making the most of every moment together, living their life with dignity, purpose, and love.
Shortly after this podcast was completed, George passed away. We thank him and Justin for generously sharing their story to raise awareness and support for research. George was a remarkable person, whose legacy is everlasting.
This is episode 40 of the podcast Cancer Straight Talk from MSK.
Listen to the audio version of this episode: www.mskcc.org/...
Find episode notes, transcripts, expert bios and more Cancer Straight Talk: bit.ly/3A83Dic
Learn more about MSK: www.mskcc.org
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Stories like this keep me in check and make me realize I really need to stop taking things for granted....
Me too good point ❤❤❤❤Rest easy George GOD bless your ❤❤❤❤
Crying because their love and strength is so beyond. These men are HEROS.
My condolences to you Justin. My heart breaks for what you both have been through. I too lost the love of my life on August 4, 2017. We met in 1977 and were together for 40 years. I was 32 and he was 26. From that moment on, we were never apart. I was an ex singer and he was a V.P of Advertising at a major Hollywood Studio. He was the blond swimmer type and I was the dark haired muscle guy. We were quite the couple. Heads really did turn when we walked into a room (Mostly because of his breathtaking smile) He was my best friend, my lover, my confidant and my husband. In 2013 when it became legal to marry, we were wed on July 31st. I was so lucky to have him in my life. In 2016, his health started to fail. He was pretty bed ridden most of the time and eventually passed away in Hospice care at home. The last 6 years for me have been grueling. I felt half of me was always missing. Infact it was true. When you're with someone for so long, you know almost every thought they have and you even finish eachothers sentences. I became the man I am today because of him. The love you've shared never really dies. I love him today as I always have. God was good to me and I thank Him every day for sending me a love so wonderful. I will pray for both you and George. I know you had the same loving relationship that we had . We were blessed. God Bless you, Justin. 💙
Im so sorry about your husband. I too lost mine to a horrible disease on 1-10-21. I still feel like half of me is missing. I too am grateful Gos brought him to me. I am blessed to have been loved by him. Hugs to you. ❤
That's so lovely 😢, I'm so sorry for your loss , sending much love ❤
Rest in Peace George! You are cancer free! 🙏❤
Update from his Instagram: he passed away today 8/9/2023. His fight to raise awareness is inspiring.
That’s heartbreaking, he was a true warrior and so was his partner. May he fly high with the best of us 💙🙏
so sorry to hear that. such a young and beautiful man. Feel terrible for Justin.
😢
😢❤
Very sad , RIP
I got lucky enough to meet George at MSK 53rd st a few months ago. I’m a brain tumor patient and for the brief moments that we talked I felt a bond with him that I haven’t felt with anyone else in the years since I was diagnosed. RIP George I will never forget you ❤️
Stay in the fight Dear1.... praying for you
❤❤ Prayers from South Africa. I'm a 22 year cancer survivor. Be blessed. ❤❤
What a beautiful disposition George had and what a wonderful human being he was. My heart breaks that this dreadful illness struck George down. RIP sweet man!
i am gutted - they are such an inspirational couple and God has a special place for them. This is LOVE regardless of gender, race, they are pure LOVE. God has blessed them
My mom passed away from stage 4 Glioblastoma. 😞 Its a horrible disease. I pray that they find a cure for every type of cancer.
I'm a social worker who has worked in hospice and I'm just mesmerized by George and Justin. What a beautiful couple and what a bright light was George. Justin, you were a loving, patient partner and caregiver. My sincere condolences to you and to all of the people who loved George, which was clearly a lot of people. It's hard for healthcare providers when we can't change the outcome and I could see that on the smiling, yet concerned, faces of George's care team. We focus on being present and bearing witness to the life and journey of our patient and their family. Take good care of yourself, Justin.
I am a bc survivor. I know how hard it was on my caregivers. A truly loving couple and my sincere condolences to you Justin for your loss of your husband George. My grandmother died from this as well. I wish you peace.
My condolences to you Justin. From this stranger I’m thinking and praying for your peace. Love from Minneapolis, Minnesota
This was heart warming and encouraging to me as a stage 4 head and neck cancer survivor three and a half year. Got a few scares from hospitals in the past who didn’t know about my six weeks radiation treatments to the head and neck which raised alarms. Multiple Ct and MRI’s. Now a few day ago got another scare from a neurologist about possible brain cancer but in three years never had no signs of sickness to this day. Like all CT and MRI scan I’m confident it all scar tissue as usual and will soon find out from my oncologist and the other Dr’s my neurologist os setting me up to see. Again no sign of any sickness. Praying for all who is fighting this battle.
I am so sorry seeing the video and reading the comments. I really hoped he would make it, at least make it a little bit longer. But he did it with great dignity. May George Rest In Peace. Bless his husband and family.
I hope they also helped his husband, Justin, because I know that as a caregiver you can sometimes be so focused on doing everything you can that you end up forgetting that there is an end and the caregiver has to be helped with that part too!
Justin, I was where you are. It's an overwhelming fear, worry and knowing without a miracle, he will pass. My husband lived for 5 months after his diagnosed. We did everything he wanted to do to live. Love and prayers for you and family during this time of loss❤🙏
what a amazing soul! I have depression and seeing George’s fighting is just so motivating to me!
Only love! I've mourned a man I didn't even know. Beautiful soul.
❤
My best friend lost both her parents to brain cancer 10 years apart 😢, its a vile , cruel and brutal disease that takes so much away.
George has the most incredible outlook, he's pretty amazing and i hope i would be so gracious if i were ever to be in this position.
Im so sorry to hear that George has since passed away, im sorry for your loss Justin.
George may be gone but that kind of love will be there forever ❤❤
So appreciate George and Justin for their beautifully honest expression. Rest in peace George.
I am touched by your story of love and life. I am so sorry for your loss. But he is all cured and well in the arms of God. Being a caregiver is the most difficult thing to do. Justin you have an enormous heart and deep compassion. Bless you in your healing . God loves you.
George, you will be dearly missed. Fly free of pain. Thank you for your honest journey about cancer. You have inspired myself, and so many others. RIP Justin and family much love.
Thank you, George and Justin for sharing your incredibly inspiring journey. Your story of resilience, hope, and selflessness is a true testament to the human spirit. It's extraordinary to see the impact your are making on rare cancer research through Cycle for Survival. This video is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another and finding purpose even in the face of adversity. Sending so much love and strength to you and all those affected by GBM.
#MyJourneybyGeorgeKolasa #GlioblastomaAwareness #CycleForSurvival
As I sit here at work and watching and listening to George 's story and his amazing and incredible out look on what he's going through is ssuch an inspiration and a beacon of hope, strength, beliefs and accepting of the possibility of leaving this world, but most important, leaving his Husband and Best Friend behind. I'm in tears as I write this because I've never seen a stronger love other than my parents like this before and I'm touched by the True love these Beautiful Men have for one another. Having the one youfell in love with by your side through this Journey and knowing you are not alone. The courage and strength you have George is very inspiring and it gives hope to others that may be going through same as you, and that is what you will behind as a testament of embracing your Journey and tackle it head on until the bitter end. Thank you George and I know God is waiting for you and to welcome you home, with him... Absolutely love you guys... Enough said.....
Justin, I'll continue to pray for you. I lost my husband of 25 years to covid in 21. Take we day as you need, he was my soulmate sent from God and I know George was your. In Christ Greg from Maryville Tennessee
George and Justin are good men
He is such an inspiration nothing but prayers
George was an inspiration- I’m ill and he did it right… so positively
Deepest condolences. To have known this true, profound mutual love is a gift that many people will never experience. Two amazing men. God speed, George.
My condolences Justin. George’s story and your love will continue to inspire others.
My condolences Justin. What a beautiful love story. My husband has been diagnosed with end stage liver disease. The grieving process started during that doctor visit and I have gone through the stages of grief sometimes more than once. What’s hardest for me is watching our kids go through such pain. I hope you surround yourself with support and to thank you both for sharing your journey so candidly. ❤️
Thank you George and Justin. George's gratitude and perspective through this journey is beyond inspiring.
My love and prayers are with you both. Your deep love and devotion move me to tears. I’m weeping with empathy and admiration for the beauty and hope that you inspire. May God and His better angels continue to abide with you on this sacred journey. 💜✝☮💜
Thank you for sharing your journey. We lost my step dad a few months ago. He never made it through the journey because he didn’t make it through the first surgery to remove some of the tumor. Watching you have such a great attitude and your relationship is amazing and it makes my heart happy.
God Bless Justin. R.I.P George.
George and Justin, you are both incredible. Dr. Reidy, once again, you find a way to show us what is important in life. Thank you.
Their love is a beautiful thing
I am so sorry for the loss of your sensible kind friend George, dearJustin. You were so lovely ❤ to each other. You both had to accept the terrible reality. You did both the best you could do. Respect!
I wish you a lot of strength 🍁.
Justin, love, you did everything right for George. Even in his cognitive decline, he was very much aware of your love, caring and concern. You did an amazing job and he's proud of you. Sending you love and hugs, from a woman who lost her mom December 29th, 2024, to the same brutal beast, called brain cancer. #Fuckcancer# ❤❤❤❤❤😢🤗🤗🤗🤗
This was 😥. George is now free🎈. Such a meaningful story to share.
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Ive been in the caregiver role and it was such a privilege to do that for my husband. You’re both Amazing. So sorry for your loss, take the time you need to heal yourself now.
Bless their beautiful hearts ❤❤ I'm so sorry Justin for your sad loss of your beautiful, strong and very brave husband George ❤️ 😢 I'm sending you much love xxx
Lost my beautiful mom to glioblastoma multi forme 100 days after diagnosis. God bless you in your fight.
I’m so sorry. It’s cruel and sad to have everything in life and it’s taken away. RIP
Love is beautiful and this love is true love, this married couple is amazing! I hear he passed on 8/09/23. What a great loss of a beautiful man. Love to his husband during his grief and pain.
George and Justin showed so much mental excess during very hard times❣️
Justin, I hope and wish for you that your life will be a truly good life❤️
George, rest in peace knowing that you were loved💫
George, you inspired me! You made me feel small with your self control. I envy that.
Prayers are said....I am currently going thru cancer with my partner, who just completed his 6 months of chemo. This Wednesday we have another Pet Scan to see if the cancer has diminished, we can only pray. We have been told there is no cure but look towards remission, he has taken a positive outlook. RIP George (btw, my partners name is George as well).
Beautiful testimony 🙏and I can so much relate. I lost my beloved sister to glioblastoma,she was 51 years old ❤️💔
God love you . I send you love from Ireland 🇮🇪 ❤❤❤
God bless both of you. I admire the love you have for each other.
Thank you George and Justin for sharing your story. I to am battling cancer and am lucky enough to have a supportive partner. Thank God for him!! My love and prayers to you from Vancouver Canada xo
Toughest journeys for the sweetest souls.. May we be reunited with our loved ones.. 🕊️
Beautiful people - beautiful medical team.
My heat is broken for you both! I lost one stepbrother to Glio, and four year later the second brother. Our family is completely in shock and denial. Not all of us can processes what has happened. The rest of us, we get it!
This is NO ONES FAULT, BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO THOSE WE LOVE! THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO BE TOGETHER THRUGH THIS TERRIBLE CIRCUMSTANCE?
There is simply nothing worse the to NEED HELP!
I'm so so sorry ❤
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My partner was diagnosed in December 2012 with the same horrific disease. Fourteen months later, he passed.
May you be comforted by the sweet memories you made.❤
It a story of strength and love and commitment . It’s helps raise awareness about this horrible cancer.
My friend passed away from Glioblastoma stage 4. Jenni was 40. I miss her.❤❤❤
What a great man and patienzt. These two are amazing
My heart is breaking for you lost both husband's to this cruel disease god bless you allxxxx
Sorry for your loss. My mother died for the same illness many years ago...
What a beautiful couple, so much love and caring. May God watch over you both
This story hits so hard. My husband of 20 years was diagnosed with frontal lobe butterfly GBM June 2021 he died April 2022 at only 42 years old. He did 30 rounds of radiation and was on chemo pills for months that made him sick and weaker, it gave him more time but not quality time, he had back to back surgeries due to almost dying after complications from the first surgery. I still battle daily with depression and finding meaning in life. You can't spend 20 years (my entire adult life) with the same person and become a caregiver for 9 months and come out the same person. The PTSD trauma, slowly watching the love of your life die slowly from this awful cancer, no short term memory, seizures, going blind and deaf, swollen beyond recognition, edema in legs and feet from Dexamethasone, it's truly awful. It's an isolating feeling and nobody understands long grief, people get so uncomfortable.
Sending all my love Justin,im so so very sorry xx
what an inspiration! thank you ! sorry for your loss Justin...
You 2 are Amazong. KEEP it up. Sending you all the love hugs
Rest In Peace, George. Look over Justin 🙏🏻❤
You are both divine beings of love thank you for your strength and beauty of the soul this is "what the world needs now is love sweet love its the only thing that's there's just too little of "Miss Dionne Warwick said it all...love to you..
How very sad....my his memory be a blessing ❤
Thank you beautiful people🙏
Justin. how sorry I am for your loss of George several weeks ago. My brother was 55 when he passed away with GLIOBLASTOMA. HE WAS DIAGNOSED IN April and passed away 2 months later. They told us he could survive 8-10 months with chemo and radiation. His wife said no. So, Sadly, He died the next day. You were Blessed to have George for the time you did. May he R.I.P.😢💔🙏🏼😷💑🏻🎗☣️✝️
"I really wish that my favorite Filipino actress had survived her treatment. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and was admitted to your hospital in an effort to fight the disease. Unfortunately, she passed away on August 5, 2022. It's been heartbreaking to see my favorite actor go, and it seems like the Philippine Entertainment Industry will never be the same without her. Her name was Evangeline Rose Gil Eigenmann_Rogoff, but she was famously known as Cherie Gil. I miss her beauty, her strong presence, her acting prowess, and much more. She was a very talented icon whom I will always love and cherish. Sloane, I want to thank you for taking care of our Cherie_amour during her treatment in your hospital. She appreciated the care you gave her." Once again THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I am so sorry for your loss. RIP
That type of brain cancer is a beast 😢
True love RIP George
What a stunning couple ❤ well done on your journey together.
This story broke my heart
He is in a better place now.
Nothing on this earth can be compared to the happiness, joy and peace he is enjoying in heaven.
Dumb statement
My heart goes out to you both! I wish I could watch this video, but it hits too close to home, as my own husband is dealing with GBM. I'm so sorry for your loss Justin.
Thanks for sharing your caregiving/care recipient story. Stories matter.
I just happened across their faces today at 2:40 pm,.. 10/9/23'...my condolences.
Rest in heaven you beautiful incredible man ❤
He was not a born again believer and therefore is not in Heaven unless he repented and accepted Christ as his Savior before he died. Lying to people about what it means to be saved is not love. Encouraging a lifestyle that assures people they will not spend eternity with Jesus is not love.
Big hugs to you, Justin. I’ve been there.
glad they have each other! beautiful!
My dad died from the same thing. A year to the date of diagnosis. Seems similar here and for almost everyone else with this cancer.
I would give you my all my money if I could after watch your video. I’m sobbing! I was not expecting that.
RIP George. Thinking of you Justin
Rest in peace 🎉❤from Sri Lanka
I am praying for you. ❤❤❤❤
Prayers ascending for you...
without words 😞😞😞
Rip handsome. Beautiful couple. 🙏🙏🙏👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻♥️🌹
What amazing people
God bless you both
Such dignity , respect and love.. that George showed Justin and his team of doctors… everyone that helped him.. is inspiring and heartwarming. RIP George and condolences Justin and all. 😔🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
So sorry. 💔
Sad to hear George already passed away.
I'm so sorry. 💔💔😭
he had love and was not alone, many of us are alone, suffering, and suppose to act normal and its al s fake and empty, i rarely see my children, they work, ita all seems for nothing, this life i lived,
Omg i came across this sep 8 2023 rip 😢