For the fifth year in a row, hundreds are expected to turn out for “Playing for the Cure: Brainstormin”, co-founded by a man who survived his own battle with a brain tumor.
On Friday September 14th, the benefit will feature the band “Heat”, raffles, live auctions, food trucks, and more.
The event takes place at 6:30pm at the Stony Creek Brewery in Branford.
The Cusano Family Brain Tumor Fund at the Yale-New Haven Hospital Brain Tumor Center was co-founded in 2014 by Chris Cusano. He was diagnosed in 2008 with a benign central neurocytoma, and went through numerous complications on his pathway to recovery. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance.
Since its founding 4 years ago, the fund has raised over $156,000 for brain tumor treatment and research in finding a cure. The fund is managed by Dr. Joseph Piepmeier, Chief of the Section of Surgical Neuro-oncology and Vice-Chair for Clinical Affairs in the Department of Neurosurgery at Yale-New Haven.
Cusano couldn’t be more thankful for the outcry of support.
“We are thrilled to now be in our 5th year of raising funds to find a cure and improve brain tumor treatment – I am remarkably grateful for all the support we have received, and this year promises to be our best event yet.”
Grinders and subs will be provided by Shoreline Cafe and Catering of Branford. Donuts will be provided by Beach Donuts of Clinton.
Cusano says although the event costs $40 per person, those who are “Brain Tumor Warriors” will attend for free.
You can also bring your own free food into the brewery as well.
News 8 is a proud partner of “Brainstormin”. Our very own Ann Nyberg will serve as the benefit’s honorary guest host.
For Cusano, seeing the community come together for the cause is achieving his dream.
“To have so many people, businesses, media personalities and organizations come together with the common goal of helping brain tumor patients – this is what ‘Brainstormin’ is all about. I will never be able to thank our supporters enough.”
For more information on how you can attend and contribute, click here.
