“A Glio Leo is any brave GBM (Glio) patient—which is every GBM patient—who has found their inner strength, with a brave heart, like a Lion (Leo). These individuals also come with the support and love of their pack—family and friends—who help to create a strong and united network of GBM warriors.
Faith, Hope and Love. ”
— Shelby Kennedy, Founder
Adam Hayden
Adam Hayden is one of our Leo’s who has shown his resilience through his work as a patient advocate since his diagnosis. In addition to being a father of three, he serves on the Board of Directors at the National Brain Tumor Society. He has visited and spoke with Congress, NIH, FDA and the White House to share his experience and knowledge. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals and runs a blog, Glioblastology, as a resource for others in the community. Glio Leo is proud to share his story in his own words below.
Shelby Kennedy - Glio Leo Founder
Shelby was diagnosed with GBM at the age of 28. Despite her diagnosis, Shelby continued to live a full life. She had a fairytale wedding, traveled the world with her husband and family for vacations, weddings, holidays, and special occasions.
Always one to think about others, Shelby came up with a vision to help support those, like her, living with Glioblastoma. Using the resources and skills that she developed while working in the fashion industry, Shelby created Glio Leo!
Shelby continued to embody that courageous warrior right up until her passing on June 27, 2022, almost five-and-a-half years after her diagnosis. An almost unheard of feat for a Glio.
Glio Leo will carry on through the work of her husband Mark, and her family and friends, all of whom wish to continue where Shel left off in order to raise awareness and help those affected by this disease. If anything, Shelby has taught us all that GBM is not a life sentence, but simply the beginning of a new journey, filled with hope, faith, and love.
John Roberts
John Roberts is one of our Glio Leo warriors fighting Glioblastoma, and has been a recipient of Glio Leo donations to help with his treatment and expenses. Glio Leo was able to learn about John's story through the National Brain Tumor Society. John’s battle started in July of 2023. He and his family have expressed their great appreciation for all of the love and support they have received throughout their journey. “Oh how I wish I could bottle this LOVE, as I know we could cure cancer with it !”
Alaina Wetzel
Alaina Wetzel is one of our Glio Leo warriors staying strong in her fight against Grade 4 Glioblastoma, and has been a recipient of Glio Leo donations to help with her treatment. Alaina and Glio Leo’s Founder Shelby met through Jackie Miranda - Alaina's cousin and Shelby's college friend - following Alaina's diagnosis.
Her fight against GBM started in March 2020. Alaina would like the community to continue to honor those who are battling and those we have lost.