October Foundation Update

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE MARCUS FOUNDATION

According to the National Brain Tumor Society , brain tumors are the most commonly diagnosed solid cancer in children ages 0-14 years, as well as the leading cause of childhood cancer-related death.

Unfortunately, despite years of research, brain tumor survival rates have remained little-changed in recent years, even where survival rates for many other childhood cancers have significantly improved.  

Moreover, with the drastic cuts in Federal funding for medical research, hospitals , and research-centers rely even more heavily on private and public foundations ( such as the Marcus Foundation) for much-needed grants. This is why we are reaching out to you today.

Earlier this year, the Marcus Foundation extended a $50,000 grant to the Massachusetts General Hospital to support both brain tumor research, as well as the Marcus Fund for Families, which helps defray the incidental costs to families with children being treated at MGH for brain tumors and other neurological  diseases.

As the situation today is truly dire, the Marcus Foundation is pleased to announce  that the goal for this year is to donate an additional $50,000 to MGH, which would represent the largest annual grant ever extended by the Foundation! However, in order to reach this herculean goal. we will need your help.

Accordingly, we simply ask that if your are contemplating making a charitable donation at the end of the year, we ask that you consider the Marcus Foundation. A donation in any amount would be greatly appreciated.

Donations may be made on line via the link below or by check mailed to:

The Marcus Foundation

c/o Mark Niziak

7 Cutler Street

Hopedale MA 01747

Together we can continue the battle that Marcus so valiantly fought, and hopefully turn the tide in the fight against pediatric brain tumors.

Thank you,

The Marcus Foundation

September is Pediatric Brain Tumor Awareness Month

September is recognized nationally as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with the month also highlighting pediatric brain tumors. Unfortunately, despite diligent efforts, brain tumors continue to be the deadliest type of childhood cancer today.

With that sobering thought, we at the Marcus Foundation simply ask that you keep in mind the children that have been afflicted and the families that care for them.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Mark Niziak
President, The Marcus Foundation

37th Annual Tony C Open to Benefit the Marcus Foundation

37TH ANNUAL TONY C OPEN TO BENEFIT THE MARCUS FOUNDATION

The 37th Annual Tony C Open was held on May 21st, 2026 at the Easton Country Club. The tournament is hosted each year by the Cellucci Family in memory of their father. The Marcus Foundation was delighted to have been chosen as the recipient charity again this year. The tournament was enormously successful and we greatly appreciate the continued support of the Cellucci Family.

Thank You Letter from MGH on Foundation's Recent $50,000 Donation

Thank You Letter from MGH on Foundation's Recent $50,000 Donation

The Marcus Foundation is pleased to share a thank you note received from Mass General Hospital:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Niziak,
 
It is a pleasure to thank you for your gift to support brain tumor research and the Marcus Fund for Families Gift fund at Massachusetts General Hospital. In today's challenging funding landscape, your philanthropy is integral to ensuring that our critical research can move forward.
 
I know Dr. Will Curry and his colleagues deeply value your confidence in their efforts as they continue to elevate patient care by improving our understanding of and treatment options for brain tumors. Your ongoing commitment helps to advance their work, ultimately bringing hope and peace to so many individuals and families who are facing a difficult diagnosis. The Marcus Fund’s ongoing investment provides important resources to our youngest patients and their families, helping them to focus on navigating their treatment during a stressful time.
 
Thank you again for your partnership as we forge a path forward into the future of medicine. Your longstanding generosity furthers MGB’s mission to remain a center for groundbreaking discovery and compassionate care.
 
Sincerely, 
 
Erin B. Northrop

Vice President, Mass General Brigham
Academic Medical Centers
Massachusetts General Hospital  |  Brigham and Women’s Hospital 

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Mark Niziak
President, The Marcus Foundation

Impact of the Marcus Foundation

We are please to share how the Marcus Foundation funds are being utilized by sharing a few videos from both Dr. Curry and for the Marcus Fund for Families, Sarah Sumpio, a social worker who partners closely with Dr. Armstrong-Javors and the pediatric brain tumor team.