Eze’s Story: A Journey of Resilience, Hope, and Leadership

In 2016, Geoff Still’s life was irrevocably changed when his son Eze—an energetic teen—was rushed to the hospital after a series of severe headaches and confusion. The diagnosis—an oligodendroglioma, a rare brain tumor—came as a devastating blow. Within hours, Eze was in emergency surgery, and Geoff found himself sitting anxiously at his bedside. The days that followed were a blur of medical jargon, difficult decisions, and the excruciating wait for news.

Eze’s recovery was long and arduous.

As Geoff navigated this journey, he experienced firsthand the many gaps families face—unanswered questions, the maze of healthcare systems, and the financial and emotional strain that never lets up. He remembers the families he met in waiting rooms, the tears they shared, and the small kindnesses exchanged between strangers bound by unimaginable challenges.

These experiences planted the seed for something greater. Geoff felt called to take action—to turn his family’s hardship into hope for others. He joined the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF), initially supporting operations and finance, but quickly becoming an advocate for every family walking the same path.

Stepping into the Executive Director role, Geoff led with the perspective of a parent who had been there. He introduced programs that not only funded research for better treatments, but also expanded family support services, ensured resources were accessible for non-English speakers, and fostered partnerships with hospitals and corporations to amplify their impact. Every policy he shaped and every family he met deepened his belief that no one should have to face a childhood brain tumor diagnosis alone.

He often shares stories—of Eze’s courage, of other kids and parents he’s met, and of the ripple effects of kindness and advocacy. Under his leadership, the PBTF has mobilized communities, elevated the voices of survivors and caregivers, and driven investments in research that offer real hope for cures and better days ahead. He’s opened doors for new collaborations, including partnerships that provide transportation, emotional support, and opportunities for kids to experience joy amid treatment.

Today, Eze is healthy and thriving—back on the basketball court he won a state championship following his surgery and earned a scholarship to play in college, pursuing new dreams, and lending his story to inspire others. He has a healthy family and made Geoff a grandfather in 2024. For Geoff, his son’s journey remains at the heart of every decision he makes as Executive Director. The triumphs and tears of their past fuel his vision: to ensure every child and family has the care, hope, and resources they need to survive—and thrive.

For Geoff, every family’s fight is personal. And in championing PBTF’s mission, he stands as proof that from the darkest moments can come new purpose, and a community no one has to face alone.