Neuro-oncologists get another $250,000 gift from Sue and Ralph Stern

Neurosurgeon Dr. Mark Linskey and neuro-oncologist Dr. Daniela Bota, co-directors of UC Irvine's Comprehensive Brain Tumor Program, have received a second gift of $250,000 from a grateful family to support ongoing research on and treatment for malignant spinal cord and brain tumors. Philanthropists Sue and Ralph Stern (pictured on right with Linskey and Bota) made the two gifts after Linskey, Bota and their team successfully treated a tumor within Sue Stern's spinal cord in 2009. "We're grateful for the Sterns' generosity and their enthusiasm for the work we're doing to improve the standard of care for spinal cord and brain tumor patients," Linskey said. About 64,530 new cases of primary nonmalignant and malignant brain and central nervous system tumors are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Linskey and Bota lead the only comprehensive neuro-oncology program in Orange County, annually treating more than 300 patients.