Raising Awareness of Brain Tumor Research and Treatment
Dr. Sanam (Sunny) Thukral was close to graduating from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine when she passed away in November of last year after a 30-month battle with glioblastoma. She was awarded a posthumous DVM during commencement ceremonies this May with her family accepting it on her behalf.
In her memory, the Thukral family formed Innovate GBM, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the future of brain tumor research and treatment through collaboration, infrastructure, and strategic investment. Innovate GBM’s Community Members gathered in Times Square on June 12 to ring the NASDAQ Stock Market Closing Bell following Brain Tumor Awareness Month. The bell ringing ceremony commemorated Innovate GBM’s growing impact in transforming the fragmented brain tumor treatment landscape into a connected ecosystem focused on accelerating research, clinical trials, investment, and patient support.
“We are proud to ring this bell not just in memory of Sanam, but in momentum—representing every patient, every family, and every champion pushing forward a better future in the fight against GBM,” said Kush Thukral, JD, Co-Executive Director of Innovate GBM.
In a powerful closing statement at NASDAQ, Yash Thukral, Co-Executive Director of Innovate GBM, underscored the urgency and personal stakes of the organization’s mission with these final words: “Together, we can make a change. This is for Doctor Sanam Thukral. This is for every patient who is fighting a brain tumor. This is Innovate GBM.”
In honor of UC Davis alumna Sanam Thukral, DVM, Innovate GBM is proud to include the advancement of comparative cancer research as part of its broader mission. UC Davis is home to one of the world’s leading veterinary medicine programs, and its work in comparative oncology offers promising insights that can benefit both human and animal patients.