In a significant move to bolster cancer research, the Knox Martin Foundation, based in Gainesville, has announced a generous donation of $150,000 to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University. This contribution is set to be formalized on Friday morning, marking a pivotal moment as it brings the foundation’s total donations to an impressive $1 million since its inception in 2021.

Becky Martin, a representative of the Knox Martin Foundation, shared insights during an interview on WDUN’s “Mornings on Maine Street” on Thursday. She emphasized the foundation’s commitment to addressing the critical funding gaps in research focused on Glioblastoma (GBM), which is recognized as one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of brain cancer. Martin explained, “[Glioblastoma is] the most aggressive, and therefore it’s the deadliest form of all brain cancers. It’s not funded because, sadly, think about it, the outcomes for the patients aren’t really great. So researchers and pharmaceutical companies in the past have not put a lot of effort into it.”

The Knox Martin Foundation was established in memory of Knox Martin, a Gainesville native who tragically succumbed to GBM at the young age of 24 in December 2020. Knox was diagnosed with the disease in September 2017, yet he continued to live life to the fullest, traveling extensively and earning his degree from the University of Georgia in 2020.

In partnership with Duke’s research team, the foundation aims to discover innovative treatments for GBM. Among the notable advancements is the recent FDA-approved treatment known as Vorasidenib, designed to target lower-grade gliomas. This groundbreaking treatment, which has been in development for 16 years, was created in the same facility that currently benefits from the foundation’s funding. Vorasidenib works by depriving the gliomas of essential nutrients, effectively slowing tumor growth and potentially extending patient survival.

Martin expressed enthusiasm about the implications of this research, stating, “What we’re excited about is the translation effect. First you’re going to have the clinical trials, which is what we’re funding now in a different type of research. But for Vorasidenib, they’ve had the clinical trials. They’ve got the success, they’ve got the FDA approval. We have patients whose lives are not only being extended, they’re having no recurrence bill, and that is key with brain cancer. So what we’re excited about is what’s down the pipeline for those GBM patients.”

The Knox Martin Foundation’s achievements are not solely attributed to its leadership; the organization has also benefitted from robust support from various community partners in North Georgia. Martin highlighted the importance of local collaboration, stating, “Our hometown, Knox’s hometown, has shown up and shown out for this cause. Last Friday, we received our first local grant check from the North Georgia Community Foundation for $15,000. It was wonderful to be there with other nonprofits as they had their community grant award ceremony. We’re honored.”

This latest donation is a testament to the foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing research in the field of brain cancer, particularly for Glioblastoma, a disease that has long been underfunded and overlooked. The Knox Martin Foundation continues to pave the way for innovative research and treatment options, providing hope for patients and families affected by this devastating illness.

As the foundation moves forward, it remains dedicated to its mission of funding critical research initiatives, engaging the community, and honoring the legacy of Knox Martin. The collaboration with Duke University exemplifies the potential for impactful advancements in cancer treatment, and the foundation’s efforts could lead to significant breakthroughs in the fight against Glioblastoma.

By fostering partnerships and supporting groundbreaking research, the Knox Martin Foundation is making strides in the battle against one of the deadliest forms of cancer, ensuring that Knox Martin’s legacy lives on through its impactful work.