We create hope, together.
Great Minds brings people together through fun, diverse social experiences to support brain cancer research.
Over 700,000 Americans are currently living with a devastating brain tumor diagnosis.
The cure starts with research. Improving the quantity and quality of brain cancer research is the best path to finding the cure.
We’re a like-minded community that envisions a world free of brain cancer.
A world where human ingenuity and resolve triumph over disease.
A world without the consequences of brain cancer.
Our Story
Great Minds, formally known as Roll and Roll Over Brain Cancer, was created in 2011 by brain cancer survivor Mary Kay Fenlon, to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her brain tumor surgery and cancer diagnosis. Great Minds now organizes and hosts 3-4 fundraising events each year, and as of 2021, has raised over $200,000 for brain cancer research and patient care.
Great Minds events benefit the Lisa B. Landes Brain Cancer Fund, established for the purpose of brain cancer research, patient care, patient experience, and patient enhancement at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) in Columbus, Ohio.
Our Team
Jen House, President
Jen had brain surgery and was diagnosed with grade III anaplastic ependymoma in 2021. She joined Great Minds shortly after concluding her radiation treatment. As a fervent supporter of research to help find a cure for brain cancer, she shares her story to raise awareness and support.
Mary Kay Ryan Fenlon, Founder
Mary Kay, a brain cancer survivor herself, truly understands the need for critical research funding, as well as continually improving comprehensive patient care. The driving force since 2011, Mary Kay has been an integral part of annual events and volunteer recruitment.
Melanie DiFeo, Secretary and Director of Marketing
Melanie was diagnosed with a low grade glioma after a successful brain surgery in 2016. She is passionate about supporting critical brain cancer research, learning about emerging technologies, and spreading hope among all those impacted by brain tumors.
Neil Wengerd, Treasurer
Neil's mother was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma in 1999. She survived and thrived for over twenty years, seeing graduations, marriages, and grandchildren. Now, Neil is proud to dedicate his work with Great Minds to his mom. He believes in the power of research and community to support anyone affected by brain cancer.
Natalie Bir, Director of Development
Natalie has been living with a grade II oligodrendroglioma since 2012. After undergoing various treatments, she became an advocate and mentor to other survivors. She joined Great Minds to continue raising awareness and providing support to the cancer research community for the benefit of adding more years to our lives.
Autumn Theodore, Director of Operations
Autumn had brain surgery and was diagnosed with grade II astrocytoma in 2018. Less than a year later, she became involved in fundraising to support brain cancer research. Autumn’s work with Great Minds is dedicated to her dream of one day hearing the words, “there is a cure.”
Rachel Hutchison, Communications Manager
Rachel unexpectedly learned she had a low-grade astrocytoma in 2021. Her surgery a success, she joined Great Minds to find support among other survivors. Rachel believes that anyone affected by a brain tumor—no matter how high or low the grade—is welcome in the brain cancer community.
Open Positions
Day-of Event Volunteers
Volunteers help make our events a huge success! Opportunities range from welcome/registration table and assisting attendees to photography and videography, set-up and tear-down, catering management, and so much more! Roles are available for people of all ages and abilities!
Social Media Manager
Our social media volunteer will manage our presence across social media platforms. Duties include planning/creating/publishing content, analysis, reporting, and community engagement.