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The MGH Spine Tumor Center is dedicated to providing multidisciplinary care for patients
with tumors of the spine. At the Center, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons,
radiation oncologists, and neuro-oncologists collaborate to diagnose and treat patients
with these rare tumors. The MGH Spine Tumor Center also focuses on research into the cause
of spine tumors.
MGH Spine Tumor Clinic
Massachusetts General Hospital
Cox 315
100 Blossom Street
Boston, MA 02125 |
Appointments
Brian D. Silber Spine Tumor Clinic
Brain Tumor Center @ MGH
Telephone (617) 724-8770
Fax (617) 724-8769
Neurosurgical Consultations
Neurosurgery @ MGH
Telephone (617) 726-6156
Fax (617) 724-7407 |
| The Brian D. Silber
Memorial Fund Supporting the Brian D. Silber
Spine Tumor Clinic
and the MGH Spine Tumor Center
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It started off as an ordinary jog – Brian Silber was
running his favorite course on an early spring day in 1993. However, the back pain
that followed was anything but ordinary. A year later Brian was diagnosed with a malignant
spinal cord tumor. After treatments including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, Brian
died in 1996, when he was just 28 years old.
Brian was an outstanding young man whose intelligence and warmth
touched all who knew him. He graduated with honors from Tufts University where he majored
in economics. He was an accomplished athlete who played baseball, basketball, and tennis.
As a young adult Brian achieved great success in his career as a sales executive, where he
was viewed as a rising professional. In spite of his many gifts, Brian remained
modest and humble and always reached out to help other people. Even during his illness he
would awaken at five o’clock in the morning to serve breakfast to homeless families.
Most importantly, Brian showed tremendous caring and kindness to all, whether they were
close friends and family or casual acquaintances. Throughout his life, Brian made a
difference in the lives of others.
When it became clear that he wouldn’t beat his cancer, Brian
remained true to character and requested that a fund be established to support research on
spinal tumors and to improve the outcome for spine tumor patients. Spinal cord tumors are
so rare that little direct study has been undertaken, and they are typically treated
according to principles used to combat brain tumors. Brian was frustrated by this, and it
was Brian’s hope that monies raised would help to change this for the better.
Brian’s family established The Brian D. Silber Memorial Fund at
Massachusetts General Hospital to make Brian’s dream become a reality. With the 1999
opening of the Brian D. Silber Spine Tumor Clinic, it is clear that Brian’s Fund is
making a difference. The Fund serves a source of support for the operation of this unique
patient care and research clinic. Brian’s family feels that it is a tribute to Brian
to sustain his memory in such a meaningful and vitally important way.
Donations to the Brian D. Silber Memorial Fund to support the Brian
D. Silber Spine Tumor Clinic and the MGH Spine Tumor Center may be made to:
Brian D. Silber Memorial Fund
Massachusetts General Hospital
Development Office
100 Charles River Plaza, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02114
Or contact the Development Office at:
617-726-2200
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