Family of Jiovanni “Jio” Luciani Drives Remarkable Fundraising Effort in Support of Brain Tumor Research

Since the passing of Jiovanni “Jio” Luciani in September 2023, his family has transformed profound loss into sustained and meaningful action in support of pediatric brain tumor research through the Children’s Brain Tumor Project (CBTP).

“It was always Jiovanni’s wish to raise awareness of Glioblastoma and the lack of funding for research. We are just trying to honor his wishes and his memory,” said Jio’s mother, Susan Luciano.

A talented and deeply creative young man from Wakefield, Massachusetts, Jio was a first-year engineering student at UMass Lowell when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Following his diagnosis and throughout his courageous 18-month battle, he and his family made the selfless decision to donate his brain tumor tissue to research through the Gift from a Child program—an act that continues to contribute to scientific efforts aimed at improving understanding and treatment of aggressive pediatric brain tumors.

In the years since his passing, the Luciani family has remained steadfast in their commitment to advancing that mission to honor their son’s wish. They have hosted dozens of community-driven fundraising events in their Massachusetts community to support brain tumor research, bringing together friends, neighbors, and supporters in creative and meaningful ways.

Among these efforts are an annual comedy night—now entering its third year this September—as well as a series of hands-on community gatherings such as “Wreathing for Research” craft nights and raffles that have become hallmark events in their local network of supporters.

Their impact has extended beyond events alone. In fact, his brother-in-law, Zach Schreiber, has joined Team CBTP to run in the upcoming NYC marathon in Jio’s memory, further amplifying the family’s mission to honor Jio’s wish by raising additional funds in support of the lab’s work.

As the family approaches the three-year anniversary of Jio’s passing, their efforts have already resulted in thousands of dollars in support of CBTP. This extraordinary level of sustained engagement reflects not only their devotion to Jio’s memory, but also their belief in the importance of advancing research for future children and families affected by these devastating tumors.

Through grief, generosity, and community leadership, the Luciani family continues to ensure that Jio’s legacy lives on in every step forward in research.