What is medulloblastoma and how is Frederico Goldsztein affected?

Medulloblastoma is a rare, malignant brain tumor. Frederico was diagnosed at age 9 and his tumor later returned, prompting his father's extensive efforts.

What is the Medulloblastoma Initiative and its goals?

Founded by Fernando Goldsztein, the MBI aims to raise funds and awareness to find a cure for medulloblastoma, supporting scientific research and clinical trials.

How much has the Medulloblastoma Initiative raised for research?

As of December 2025, the Medulloblastoma Initiative has successfully raised $13 million to support research efforts aimed at curing the disease.

Home / Health / Dad's Fight: Saving Son from Rare Brain Tumor

Dad's Fight: Saving Son from Rare Brain Tumor

25 Dec

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Summary

Frederico was diagnosed with medulloblastoma at age 9.
Dad founded the Medulloblastoma Initiative to find a cure.
The initiative has raised $13 million for research.

Dad's Fight: Saving Son from Rare Brain Tumor

In 2015, Fernando Goldsztein's life changed when his 9-year-old son, Frederico, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare and malignant brain tumor. After initial treatments, the tumor recurred in 2019, a situation with a grim prognosis. This led Fernando to establish the Medulloblastoma Initiative (MBI) in 2021, driven by a profound need to find a cure.

MBI has since become a significant force, raising $13 million and coordinating research across 16 laboratories. The initiative has achieved a major milestone with two FDA-approved clinical trials now underway. These trials explore innovative approaches, including using a patient's own cells to fight cancer and an mRNA vaccine for targeted immune response.

Though Frederico's health is currently stable and he is not eligible for the new trials, Fernando remains acutely aware of the ongoing battle. His mission, initially to save his son, has broadened to encompass the thousands of children globally affected by this disease, making it his life's purpose.