Cornhole tournament honors teen, advances pediatric cancer research
Annual event celebrates Patrick Halvorsen’s legacy while supporting UMass Chan studies to improve treatment and outcomes
Date Posted: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Patrick Halvorsen was a typical teen—with an uncommon spirit of compassion—when he was diagnosed in 2018 with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer that would take his life three years later at age 17. After his passing, the Halvorsen family initiated a fundraiser to support pediatric brain cancer research at UMass Chan Medical School, perpetuating Patrick’s legacy of kindness and hope.
A young life cut far too short by a devastating cancer
Patrick was 15 and living with his parents, Meg and Michael Halvorsen, in North Brookfield when persistent headaches prompted testing at UMass Memorial Medical Center. His diagnosis, stage 4 glioblastoma, was devastating. A deadly brain tumor with an ingenious defense system that helps it spread, the prognosis for pediatric glioblastoma remains very poor.
“While survival rates from childhood cancer have increased over the last several decades, unfortunately, many children and teenagers with cancer are still not cured,” said Stefanie R. Lowas, MD, associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and one of Patrick’s physicians. “Every pediatric patient, like Patrick, reminds us that continued improvements in cancer treatment are urgently needed.”
Despite his illness and the start of chemotherapy treatments, Patrick continued to live life to the fullest. Described by Meg as “a big personality who was caring, funny and witty,” Patrick loved making people laugh and spending time with family and friends, along with collecting sneakers, attending concerts and playing video games.
Meg observes that Patrick displayed a level of empathy far beyond that of a typical high schooler, going out of his way to offer comfort to peers who were struggling, and was a fiercely loyal friend.
He died in January 2021, surrounded by family who were the center of his world.
‘Always get up and keep moving forward’
“Every donation we receive will aid us in contributing to the development of new cancer treatment plans and bringing them to our patients. We look forward to the time when, due in part to donations and support from our community, all of the children and teenagers we treat can survive cancer and grow up to live long, healthy lives."
According to Meg, Patrick faced cancer with remarkable fortitude.
“Throughout Patrick’s journey, he never complained, he never said ‘why me?’ He accepted what was going on with him,” said Meg. “He used to say, ‘always get up and keep moving forward.’”
In this spirit of hope and resilience, in 2021 the Halvorsens launched the annual Stepping Towards a Cure Cornhole Tournament, with proceeds supporting pediatric brain cancer research at UMass Chan. The most recent event, held at Timberyard Brewing Company in East Brookfield on Sept. 21, 2025, featured cash prizes, raffles and music, along with competitive cornhole.
“We wanted to honor Patrick while also helping to ensure that other families don’t have to go through what we did. Raising money for research made sense,” said Meg. “It’s always a high energy, fun event. A whole bunch of people have a great time for a worthwhile cause.”
UMass Chan and its clinical partner UMass Memorial Health participate in research studies organized by the Children’s Oncology Group, the leading national organization of pediatric cancer specialists. Children from Central Massachusetts can enroll in clinical trials and receive research-based cancer therapy in parallel to children with similar diseases across the country.
“Every donation we receive will aid us in contributing to the development of new cancer treatment plans and bringing them to our patients,” said Dr. Lowas. “We look forward to the time when, due in part to donations and support from our community, all of the children and teenagers we treat can survive cancer and grow up to live long, healthy lives.
“The entire Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology is grateful to the friends and family of Patrick for sponsoring this fundraiser for pediatric cancer research at UMass Chan Medical School, in partnership with UMass Memorial Medical Center – Children’s Medical Center.”
The gift underscores the vital role of community engagement and philanthropy in advancing pediatric cancer research and care. At a time when biomedical research faces increasing financial and operational challenges nationwide, support from community partners, fundraisers, and awareness events is more important than ever in helping to sustain momentum, accelerate discovery and provide hope for families facing cancer.
The next Stepping Towards a Cure Cornhole Tournament is being planned for September 2026.