George’s Journey Facing Brain Cancer

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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.
Listen now: www.mskcc.org/videos/georges-...
Learn more about MSK: www.mskcc.org
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Опубликовано:

18 июл 2023

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Комментарии : 148

@Djk8263 10 месяцев назад

Update from his Instagram: he passed away today 8/9/2023. His fight to raise awareness is inspiring.

@throughtheeyesofachild61_45 9 месяцев назад

That’s heartbreaking, he was a true warrior and so was his partner. May he fly high with the best of us 💙🙏

@charlottetomic8387 9 месяцев назад

so sorry to hear that. such a young and beautiful man. Feel terrible for Justin.

@jeancater1388 9 месяцев назад

😢

@char2304 9 месяцев назад

😢❤

@supersonicbird11 9 месяцев назад

Very sad , RIP

@daretoder 10 месяцев назад

Crying because their love and strength is so beyond. These men are HEROS.

@bbdc1977-sg8dc 9 месяцев назад

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. 💙

@Sedgies 8 месяцев назад

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. ❤

@hannahhopkinson9044 Месяц назад

That's so lovely 😢, I'm so sorry for your loss , sending much love ❤

@peggysue7898 10 месяцев назад

Rest in Peace George! You are cancer free! 🙏❤

@Leosmommy19 6 месяцев назад

Stories like this keep me in check and make me realize I really need to stop taking things for granted....

@CHELSEABuckhannon 4 месяца назад

Me too good point ❤❤❤❤Rest easy George GOD bless your ❤❤❤❤

@whosHJQ 10 месяцев назад

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 ❤️

@iwrtly6xx938 18 дней назад

My condolences Justin. George’s story and your love will continue to inspire others.

@hannahhopkinson9044 Месяц назад

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 ❤❤

@alwer1789 9 месяцев назад

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!

@joyceholcomb2130 10 месяцев назад

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❤🙏

@lindylambis4828 10 месяцев назад

❤❤ Prayers from South Africa. I'm a 22 year cancer survivor. Be blessed. ❤❤

@archieblevins833 9 месяцев назад

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.

@sheldonberg5734 9 месяцев назад

Only love! I've mourned a man I didn't even know. Beautiful soul.

@dpb8780 10 месяцев назад

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!

@markusgibson2791 10 месяцев назад

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.....

@stouidjine3232 10 месяцев назад

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.

@reenh462 9 месяцев назад

My mom passed away from stage 4 Glioblastoma. 😞 Its a horrible disease. I pray that they find a cure for every type of cancer.

@rroberge30 10 месяцев назад

So appreciate George and Justin for their beautifully honest expression. Rest in peace George.

Месяц назад

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.

@nicolascorrea1146 8 месяцев назад

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

@kellylucas1400 7 месяцев назад

what a amazing soul! I have depression and seeing George’s fighting is just so motivating to me!

@kathrynmacleod1520 10 месяцев назад

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

@jenniferstokes7505 10 месяцев назад

He is such an inspiration nothing but prayers

@ok2bout 9 месяцев назад

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. ❤️

@adamcetinski2305 9 месяцев назад

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.

@user-lv4xv3pj8z 10 месяцев назад

Thank you George and Justin. George's gratitude and perspective through this journey is beyond inspiring.

@shellyneal4487 10 месяцев назад

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.

@royg.greenlee2538 8 месяцев назад

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.

@erellie 10 месяцев назад

George and Justin are good men

@francesrivard9045 9 месяцев назад

God Bless Justin. R.I.P George.

@user-vc9ot5yv1n 10 месяцев назад

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.

@holliethomson6147 10 месяцев назад

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

@micheleoconnell8749 10 месяцев назад

I’m so sorry. It’s cruel and sad to have everything in life and it’s taken away. RIP

@EyeOnAntisemitism 9 месяцев назад

George was an inspiration- I’m ill and he did it right… so positively

@janettebasten1701 9 месяцев назад

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 🍁.

@katereilly1931 9 месяцев назад

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.

@miola2083 10 месяцев назад

This was 😥. George is now free🎈. Such a meaningful story to share.

@piaogilvie8463 9 месяцев назад

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💫

@deidrekoehler2882 9 месяцев назад

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.

@Katie-sj6vp 10 месяцев назад

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

@lindamastropietro4429 10 месяцев назад

God bless both of you. I admire the love you have for each other.

@JuLee0621 Месяц назад

"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!

@veenus93 9 месяцев назад

Rest In Peace, George. Look over Justin 🙏🏻❤

@ginybrown8738 10 месяцев назад

What a beautiful couple, so much love and caring. May God watch over you both

@rebeccaskalare9445 9 месяцев назад

Beautiful testimony 🙏and I can so much relate. I lost my beloved sister to glioblastoma,she was 51 years old ❤️💔

@sunshine-bs2jx 5 месяцев назад

God love you . I send you love from Ireland 🇮🇪 ❤❤❤

@marciawellman8668 10 месяцев назад

Beautiful people - beautiful medical team.

@shawn1428 3 месяца назад

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.

@rongierhart5686 9 месяцев назад

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).

@stephaniebarrett6921 10 месяцев назад

what an inspiration! thank you ! sorry for your loss Justin...

@paulrobertson7650 9 месяцев назад

Sending all my love Justin,im so so very sorry xx

@mikem1633 9 месяцев назад

George, you inspired me! You made me feel small with your self control. I envy that.

@nehirwhite64 8 месяцев назад

True love RIP George

@user-zz9ky6kr6z 10 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing your caregiving/care recipient story. Stories matter.

@hannah50353 10 месяцев назад

What a stunning couple ❤ well done on your journey together.

@christianefiorito3204 9 месяцев назад

What a great man and patienzt. These two are amazing

@user-hv4ey8fd1z 9 месяцев назад

It a story of strength and love and commitment . It’s helps raise awareness about this horrible cancer.

@porkchopjp 10 месяцев назад

glad they have each other! beautiful!

@daretoder 10 месяцев назад

Rest in heaven you beautiful incredible man ❤

@dawnricherson2604 9 месяцев назад

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.

@JamesMay-mn3lw 8 месяцев назад

You 2 are Amazong. KEEP it up. Sending you all the love hugs

@Sushi2735 8 месяцев назад

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!

@sunshine-bs2jx 5 месяцев назад

I'm so so sorry ❤

@user-ef4bt6ig3u Месяц назад

Rest in peace 🎉❤from Sri Lanka

@babssmith179 9 месяцев назад

My heart is breaking for you lost both husband's to this cruel disease god bless you allxxxx

@marianmott4902 9 месяцев назад

Thank you beautiful people🙏

@patnettleton1423 9 месяцев назад

I am so sorry for your loss. RIP

@rebeccawright5987 10 месяцев назад

Big hugs to you, Justin. I’ve been there.

@micheladerry5681 9 месяцев назад

Sorry for your loss. My mother died for the same illness many years ago...

@Cdpd5344 8 месяцев назад

Lost my beautiful mom to glioblastoma multi forme 100 days after diagnosis. God bless you in your fight.

@sallymccoy6286 9 месяцев назад

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.😢💔🙏🏼😷💑🏻🎗☣️✝️

@RosettaStoned462 9 месяцев назад

This story broke my heart

@-TheRealThing- 10 месяцев назад

Sad to hear George already passed away.

@arthurking7768 9 месяцев назад

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..

@adrianpaulpeaseydaily 8 месяцев назад

How very sad....my his memory be a blessing ❤

@asprelskcalling1151 9 месяцев назад

without words 😞😞😞

@tkine97 10 месяцев назад

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.

@teddyspapi7344 10 месяцев назад

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.❤

@jackgross6133 8 месяцев назад

I just happened across their faces today at 2:40 pm,.. 10/9/23'...my condolences.

@heidilanier3090 10 месяцев назад

God bless you both

@laceybanter5937 9 месяцев назад

RIP George. Thinking of you Justin

@GregHayes-dy3ve 8 месяцев назад

Prayers ascending for you...

@BeeApple-sr3db 10 месяцев назад

I am praying for you. ❤❤❤❤

@lukashasselNY 9 месяцев назад

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.

@tracymcgrath1192 9 месяцев назад

Rip handsome. Beautiful couple. 🙏🙏🙏👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻♥️🌹

@dustindusten 9 месяцев назад

Very brave ~

@imwade3 9 месяцев назад

I would give you my all my money if I could after watch your video. I’m sobbing! I was not expecting that.

@drusilladana4184 4 месяца назад

I'm so sorry. 💔💔😭

@lisawhite3648 10 месяцев назад

RIP George❤

@kimmaddison8686 9 месяцев назад

Omg i came across this sep 8 2023 rip 😢

@carlalloyd8892 9 месяцев назад

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. 😔🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

@dpb8780 10 месяцев назад

So sweet but sadly so hard.

@dolcevitausa6448 10 месяцев назад

in bocca al lupo George

@sherrykelley741 10 месяцев назад

An amazing love story ❣️

@marika.p 10 месяцев назад

Je vous envoie tout mon amour ❤❤❤❤❤

@LauraB.335 9 месяцев назад

I’m so sorry to hear that George passed away! For anyone watching this now who has been diagnosed with glioblastoma, please try water fasting and a low carb, no sugar, no processed food diet. Dr. Thomas Seyfried has used fasting specifically with glioblastomas with much success, and argues that many cancers are metabolic, not genetic in nature. Even if you end up doing some of the traditional medical treatment, fasting and low carb may help. Dr. Valter Longo, a fasting specialist, has suggested using fasting around the days of chemotherapy, and has suggested that it helps the treatment be more effective than without fasting. I realize it may not work for everyone, but there is a lot of research out there suggesting extended fasting and eating a low carb, no sugar, no processed food, no grain diet can help with many types of cancers. ❤❤❤

@christinegeiler5770 9 месяцев назад

Great!

@jadirmcgrew790 8 месяцев назад

🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿💜💜💜💜👑

@katamari08 10 месяцев назад

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

@mariagraziagiglio4332 8 месяцев назад

❤️❤️❤️

@darrylgaines2540 9 месяцев назад

❤

@BarrowBay 8 месяцев назад

😢❤

@marcosreyes6485 8 месяцев назад

🌈 ❤️

@joanncales1067 8 месяцев назад

The other day I was watching a video about they type of brain cancer you have and they are doing a trial with 17patients they probably have found out how to shrink this tumor cancer but first let me say this this testing came in 3 stages the 1st one they gave small amount to the first set of patients then the next set of patients was given more then the last set more of this just to see how each set will do. These are trial bases but it did worked on a number of them ( can’t remember how many.) what the doctors had found out that Polio virus itself had shrieked the tumor and one patient her’s was totally gone. I don’t remember where this trails were given for this type of brain cancerous tumor.but each one had results. Do some research on this it’s new.