Groundbreaking Grief Support Initiative Launched at Duke University Brain Tumor Center

Strategic Insights -

A $250,000 donation from the Feinglos Fund will establish the Susan & Mark Feinglos Grief Initiative, a comprehensive program addressing the often-overlooked grief experienced by patients, families, and healthcare providers dealing with devastating brain tumor diagnoses. The initiative, launched in honor of Grief Awareness Day, August 30, 2025, is a personal endeavor for Rebecca Feinglos, who lost her mother to glioblastoma. Her late father, Dr. Mark Feinglos, served at Duke's Division of Endocrinology for over four decades. The program will integrate grief support directly into the academic medical center's operations, aiming to become a model for healthcare providers worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Susan & Mark Feinglos Grief Initiative is a $250,000 donation from the Feinglos Fund to establish a comprehensive grief support program at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University.
  • The program is designed to meet the mental and emotional needs of patients, families, and healthcare providers grappling with devastating brain tumor diagnoses.
  • The initiative is launched in honor of Grief Awareness Day, August 30, 2025, and addresses a profound personal need for Rebecca Feinglos, whose late mother was one of the first adult patients treated by Dr. Henry Friedman.
  • Dr. Friedman notes that comprehensive cancer care must include comprehensive grief care, recognizing the same level of attention and expertise required to treat the disease itself.
  • The program is the culmination of Rebecca Feinglos' experience with her mother's fatal glioblastoma diagnosis, her expertise as a certified grief support specialist, and her commitment as a second-generation member of the Duke community.
  • The comprehensive grief support pilot program will be integrated directly into the academic medical center's operations.
  • Brain tumors affect over 700,000+ Americans, with 94,000 new cases diagnosed annually.
  • The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center sees nearly 1,000 patients annually from around the globe.
  • Dr. Allan Friedman notes that the program addresses an unmet need for grief support, which is crucial for healthcare providers and staff dealing with frequent fatal diagnoses.

Statistics:

  • $250,000: The amount donated by the Feinglos Fund to establish the Susan & Mark Feinglos Grief Initiative.
  • 700,000+: The number of Americans affected by brain tumors.
  • 94,000: The number of new brain tumor cases diagnosed annually.
  • 1,000: The number of patients seen annually by the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center.
  • 30 years ago: When the lack of open discussion about grief and mental health was prevalent, as noted by Rebecca Feinglos.

Sources:

  • NewsRx, 2025 SEP 16: "Rebecca Feinglos Announces $250,000 Donation to Duke University for Grief Support Program"