The Nick Gonzales Foundation for Brain Tumor Research

God Bless Cindy Villarreal and her entire volunteer staff for the wonderful work they have done to raise money to fight brain cancer via research and education. Since they became a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, they have donated ~$500,000 to major learning institutions for research. As a 31 year survivor of an inoperable, malignant brain tumor, I appreciate, support and endorse The Nick Gonzales Foundation for Brain Tumor Research. Judy Hoffman

May 2020, I lost my father to a glioblastoma multiforme grade 4 (GBM.) The Drs told my family that this was the most aggressive and illusive form of brain cancer and his odds of survival were slim. Originally they gave him 18-24 months, turns our the GBM had other plans...he only survived 49 days from the date he was diagnosis. There have been little advancements in the treatments for this terrible cancer, The Nick Gonzales Foundation for Brain Tumor Research is dedicated to raising money for brain tumor research and spreading awareness to the early warning signs. Everyone involved with this organization is highly dedicated and steadfast in their desire to see an end to brain cancer/tumors. To date, The Foundation has donated over $500,000 in research grants to doctors and researchers.

This foundation's commitment to raising money for brain cancer is second to none. Cindy and I used to work together so I got to see first hand what this charity means to her and her family. Losing a family member to cancer is devastating, but it is very comforting that this foundation is making such an impact in finding a cure for Brain Cancer. I will support this foundation until there is a cure!!!!!!

This charity has had a meaningful approach and could not be more genuine as founded by Nick Gonzales' mother, survived Nick's passing of from a brain tumor; his brother, Nick's wife and Nick's two young children were also among those survived his passing. Seeing this family collectively come together and put their energy into making such a successful and growing charity with passion is motivating and encouraging as this is why we love to donate to charities. I have memories for many annual golf tournaments that have been fun and bring many smiles and laughs in a genuine enjoyable atmosphere! An amazing charity!

I have been involved with The Nick Gonzales Foundation for brain tumor research since day one. This Foundation was established in honor of my nephew, Nick, who passed away from a Glioblastoma (GBM) in 2006 when he was 29 years old. In 2007 the Foundation was born. The mission is to make people aware of the warning signs of brain tumors & to raise and provide critical funds for brain tumor research. Started by Nick's mom, Cindy Villarreal, and a small group of core volunteers the Foundation in 14 years has grown and through hard work and dedication has raised over 1/2 a million dollars. Recently Dr. Karen Fink & her team at Baylor Health have been the recipient of our research grant funds.
The Nick Gonzales Foundation is such an incredible group of dedicated committee members, volunteers, supporters and sponsors who are determined to help find a cure for this horrible disease. Without a doubt this Foundation is making a difference in research and a positive impact on the community. It's an honor to be a part of it.

My journey with The Nick Gonzales Foundation for Brain Tumor Research began in May of 2021 when planning a brain cancer awareness event for my local coffee shop. This awareness event was planned because I lost my father to brain cancer (GBM) May 7, 2020 and I wanted to pick an organization that was on the front lines fighting to end this terrible evil. When I talked to Cindy Villarreal (President) and Art Gonzales (Director), I knew this was the organization and team I wanted to work with. Cindy and Art's passion for spreading awareness regarding brain tumors/cancer is infectious. They helped me organize my event, by inviting family, friends, survivors, and caregivers, they donated their time to help run the event, all without asking for anything in return. Their charter is spread awareness and to put funds into the hands of doctors and researchers that are fighting to end brain tumors/cancers AND none of the money goes towards administration costs! This is why I will do everything I can to help the wonderful people at The Nick Gonzales Foundation for Brain Tumor Research.

We have been volunteers for The Nick Gonzales Foundation for Brain Tumor Research since the inception. The proceeds from all donations go directly to fund brain tumor research with donations to organizations such at BTTC, UTSW, and The Musella Foundation. There is less than 2% overhead for hosting an annual Gold Tournament, dinner, live and silent auctions, as many volunteers all run the organization. Thus far, the organization has donated close to $500,000 to aid in brain tumor research and help find a cure,especially for glioblastomas, which has great needs for treatment options and a cure!!! Steve & Karen

There is something to say about the fact that I had only heard about this amazing foundation and immediately asked to volunteer without even meeting them. Upon meeting, Cindy was more than I even imagined in a woman to create such an extraordinary foundation with meaning and heart behind everything they do. It amazes me the lengths everyone strives to make by volunteering and contributing to events to donate more money towards funding every year. I am honored to have been welcomed into a foundation that isn't just an organization, but a family.

After my brother passed away, my mother decided she was going to fight back by finding a cure to this terrible disease. Now all these years later, look at what we've been able to accomplish. I'm so proud of my family and small core of volunteers for all they do. Not only have we been able to raise and donate over $400,000 in research dollars, but we've been able to be part of so many other families and friends who have a connection to brain tumors. And I'm truly moved every year by the number of volunteers and donors who contribute their time and money to our foundation. I can't wait to see what our future holds.

As a brain tumor survivor of 18 +Years, I am happy to have met Cindy Villarreal and gladly support all her efforts through the Nick Gonzales Foundation to help the brain tumor community raise funding for research and raise awareness of the warning symptoms of a brain tumor. I have volunteered for her golf tournament since the inception and her enthusiasm to help us find a cure is an inspiration to all survivors and caregivers!

I met Cindy Villarreal shortly after my son was diagnosed with 2 brain tumors. When she told me that she had lost her son to a brain tumor and then founded the Nick Gonzales Foundation for Brain Tumor Research in his memory, I knew I had found my passionate cause. Since then I have been a "worker bee" for our golf tournament/dinner/silent & live auctions. It is a privilege to work with this amazing woman and all our volunteers. I am happy to say that my son is a survivor and because of this Foundation we have hope for better treatments.
Kathy W.

After marring into this wonderful family, I have had the ability to volunteer for this organization for the past 10 years. Each year we continue to surpass our fundraising goals and to date have raised over $400,000 to go toward funding research grants for brain tumors. Not only have we raised money but we have had the honor of meeting some of those who have been diagnosed with a brain tumor. This foundation is absolutely amazing and I am very proud to be just a small part of it all.