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Celebrating diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice within the craft beer community
Celebrating diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice within the craft beer community
Beer Explore People

Get to know #BrewStacheStrong

Beer is for Everyone
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February 4, 2022
5 Mins read
#BrewStacheStrong1

Get to know #BrewStacheStrong

A cause beer for Glioblastoma Multiforme Brain Cancer

by Jeannine Boisse

 

In 2017, Colin Gerner’s brother, GJ Gerner, received unthinkable news. GJ was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer. Remarkably, he met the devastating news with a positive outlook like no other, and began an unyielding fight against the disease.

 

GBM is a cancer of the brain with a mean survival rate of only 12-18 months for the estimated 13,000 newly diagnosed with the disease in the US each year.

 

With his brother by his side and unwavering support from the rest of their immediate family, GJ underwent surgeries, tumor removal, and invasive, life-altering treatment. All while donning a smile and a stylish new stache. What started as a good-natured goal to divert from GJ’s ongoing cancer treatment, the brothers grew out their mustaches as a symbol of their commitment to the fight and their familial bond. 

 

The Gerner Family with GJ in the center. Photo courtesy of the Gerner Family.

 

Upon GJ’s diagnosis when Colin was scouring the internet to try and find data or any kind of support to deal with the grim realities about the disease, he couldn’t find much. Together, Colin and GJ recognized the huge need for continued research and finding modern approaches to combating deadly brain cancer.

 

The StacheStrong non-profit organization was born and the Stache became their signature symbol of the fight against Glioblastoma.

 

Sadly after a 25-month-long battle, GJ passed away at the age of 30. LiveStacheStrong is his legacy, growing each year to make positive impacts to support the continued education and treatment for Glioblastoma. 

 

Why beer? 

 

If you visit the StacheStrong Website or Instagram page, you’ll soon learn that it’s way more than beer.

 

“We are so much more than a beer campaign, we are a foundation that is focused on raising funds and awareness for brain cancer research,” Colin Gerner tells Beer Is For Everyone.

 

Colin and GJ went to college with each other and bonded over their interest in craft beer. Inspired by the charity beer Resilience Ale, “that started my realization of the craft beer industry as such a community and supportive network,” Gerner shares.

 

Later as GJ was deep into treatment for brain cancer, with support from Oskar Blues Brewing they kicked off BrewStacheStrong as an element of their new non-profit organization.

 

BrewStacheStrong is one of their major campaigns but not the only element of the foundation which is approaching their fourth year as an organization. They’re a recognized charity sponsor for the New York City Marathon which in turn raised $130,000 for StacheStrong last year. RunStacheStrong is their 5K, which during the pandemic accommodated virtual runners in all 50 states, raising $140,000. GrowStacheStrong is their awareness campaign where participants grow out their mustaches in support. They also host an annual fundraising event in New York City. Looking ahead, they also hope to introduce a golf tournament event in 2023.

 

2021 was a record-breaking year for StacheStrong. “We raised over 1.2 million dollars, and 99% of incoming charitable funds go directly toward research. Unfortunately, in this day in age everyone knows someone who has passed or is fighting cancer, not just brain cancer,” explains Gerner.

 

Colin carries on the work initiated by GJ, speaking to universities, neurosurgeons, and teams of oncologists about StacheStrong. They’ve penned a million dollars worth of grants, directly funding brain cancer research to heavy-hitters in the academic world like University of Pennsylvania, UCSF, Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan, University of Miami, Mount Sinai in New York City, Northwestern Medicine, Yale, and Nebraska Medical.

 

205 breweries participated in BrewStacheStrong in 2021, serving over 300,000 pints and spreading awareness for their mission.

 

“We’ve been in the same shoes as so many other families who are going through this. The only reason it’s possible is because our supporters, donors, and these wonderful breweries, amidst everything they’re doing running a business during a global pandemic are still able to join BrewStacheStrong and put a unique beer on their production schedule.”

 

The goals for 2022 are even higher and their mission remains stronger than ever.

 

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month and their focus is to have StacheStrong on tap in local breweries across America by May 1st. Brewery outreach and participation is lining up to surpass 2021. They anticipate 300+ businesses will brew StacheStrong beers in this year’s campaign, with each brewery joining the extensive community. The organization allows breweries full creative permission to brew their beer style of choice and recommend a donation commitment of $1 per pint or can.

 

In May, social media followers can find a map of participating breweries in their area where they can find StacheStrong Beer and raise a pint in support. Whether it’s a dollar or a thousand dollars, it all goes to the same mission.

 

“There are people who don’t even drink beer who will go and raise a pint for their loved ones. We’re showing with this campaign that beer IS for everyone. So many people have gone through a loss or a current fight against brain cancer and being able to go out to breweries and honor a loved one or share a beer with someone currently fighting, it’s such a strong platform we’ve built.”

 

Photo Courtesy of Colin Gerner.

 

All the work Colin does, directly contributes to supporting those who are in their fight against Glioblastoma. “I know they don’t have an unlimited amount of tomorrows. People with Glioblastoma feel isolated and without a voice. My brother was just turning 29 when he was diagnosed and told he had about 10-15 months to live. That’s a very harrowing diagnosis, it’s incurable, the facts are difficult. What we try to do is provide inspiration, as we also fund for research, that mentality is very important,” explains Gerner.

 

Beyond beer, StacheStrong gives a voice to a family every day in May through their social media platform. Much like when Colin desperately searched the internet for support in the early days of GJ’s fight, new families who receive the diagnosis now have the StacheStrong network to connect to people across the globe who are going through the same thing they are, and will realize they’re not alone.

 

As we approach May 2022, be sure to follow StacheStrong on Instagram as they continue to spread the GJ mentality and offer support to those in the fight against brain cancer. To learn more about the StacheStrong organization, donate, create or drink BrewStacheStrong beers, head to their Website.

 

 

 

beer brewing beer industry brain cancer brain tumor awareness brew brewing Brewstache Strong brewstachestrong cause beer colin gerner Craft Alcohol craft beer craft beer industry Craft Brewing GBM GBM brain cancer GJ Gerner glioblastoma multiforme Jeannine Boisse resilience ale
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Beer is for Everyone is a grass roots project that was born from the need for more diverse bodies, spaces, and voices within the craft beer community. We look to encourage the inclusion of all people who love craft beer.

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Girly Drinks, a James Beard award-winning book by Girly Drinks, a James Beard award-winning book by Mallory O'Meara, sets out to tell the history of women in alcohol through fifteen individual stories, the content is even richer than advertised. As we ricochet around the globe, it’s impossible not to be in awe of O’Meara’s no-stone-unturned research, diving into drinks cultures as diverse as ruou in Vietnam, omaongo and oshinwayin Namibia, and early Japanese sake (kuchikami) – all produced by women.

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I am sorry to our beer community and our queer com I am sorry to our beer community and our queer community. I made a mistake, and I’d like to make an apology.

Beer is for Everyone received an email a few days ago, and I jumped to conclusions about its meaning based on my own lived experiences.

As a person who identifies as a womxn, specifically a non-binary demi female womxn, I was defensive when I read the aforementioned email. Because of my own experiences of being invalidated and attacked, I took it to mean that the person was anti-queer.

However, I never followed up to find out a deeper reason why the sender said what they did. It’s not an excuse, but it is a reason - I get messages like this all the time and are usually very much racist, sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, and the list goes on. So, I tend to just ignore them.

But, a friend brought it to my attention that they were confused as to why I used a word that can be seen as problematic.

After much discussion, I realized I wasn’t as clear as I needed to be. And, my assumption could have hurt someone.

I also needed to be more aware that just because I use that term to identify, I should have acknowledged that it, perhaps, should not be used by others, at least not if they don’t personally identify or have consent.

Identity politics are incredibly complex and ever-evolving. And, even though I consider myself well-versed and well-lived, I am wrong very often. So, I am truly sorry if I hurt anyone.

I will be following up with a longer post online at a later time once I can decompress. But, for now, I want to give this apology with my sincere sadness for any confusion or hurt that I may have caused.

-Lindsay

P.S. Pride release is still happening because our Pride is unwavering 🏳️‍🌈
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In response to the events transpiring in the world In response to the events transpiring in the world, we thought we’d share this reminder: Beer is for Everyone. All of us; not some of us 🍻

We received a message from someone saying, “What a great idea and group! I was ready to support until I saw the use of the word “womxn”. Sorry…” 

So, in case you didn’t know, beer is for everyone! And, we unequivocally mean it.

Beer is for…

Trans folx
Queer folx
Non-binary folx
LGBTQIAA2S+
QTBIPOC
Womxn

Beer is for Everyone

And, to celebrate our love for our diverse, intersectional community, we are doing a surprise PRIDE drop. 

But, it’s not June. How could we be releasing Pride merch? Well, guess what, Pride is 365/24/7 here 🌈 As it should be. 

Cheers! Stay tuned for much more - We might be making this a double drop special. 

Mark your calendars for 3/31 at noon PST on Transgender Day of Visibility- As a direct response to the anti-trans, anti-queer legislation and rhetoric surrounding our nation, we combat them with awareness, advocacy, and radical joy.
An event from @rhythmbrewingco • Brewing Change: An event from @rhythmbrewingco
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Brewing Change: A Conversation & Beer Tasting with Alisa Bowens-Mercado @ladylager1 Tuesday, March 28th 6-7:30pm, Location @ontherocksqu, 305 Sherman Ave, Hamden, CT.

We will also be showing a short clip of the documentary @onepintfilm which highlights Black brewers, brand owners, and influencers across the country who are reshaping the craft beer industry. This event is being co-sponsored by the Department of Cultural and Global Engagement, M&T Bank Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and the M&T Bank Center for Women & Business.

*No person under the age of 21 years will be served or allowed to consume alcoholic beverages at the event. Proof of age will be required. 

Please use form (link in bio) to register for the event and submit questions you would like answered during the Q&A portion.
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Read Ruvani de Silva's book review on our website now.
I am sorry to our beer community and our queer com I am sorry to our beer community and our queer community. I made a mistake, and I’d like to make an apology.

Beer is for Everyone received an email a few days ago, and I jumped to conclusions about its meaning based on my own lived experiences.

As a person who identifies as a womxn, specifically a non-binary demi female womxn, I was defensive when I read the aforementioned email. Because of my own experiences of being invalidated and attacked, I took it to mean that the person was anti-queer.

However, I never followed up to find out a deeper reason why the sender said what they did. It’s not an excuse, but it is a reason - I get messages like this all the time and are usually very much racist, sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, and the list goes on. So, I tend to just ignore them.

But, a friend brought it to my attention that they were confused as to why I used a word that can be seen as problematic.

After much discussion, I realized I wasn’t as clear as I needed to be. And, my assumption could have hurt someone.

I also needed to be more aware that just because I use that term to identify, I should have acknowledged that it, perhaps, should not be used by others, at least not if they don’t personally identify or have consent.

Identity politics are incredibly complex and ever-evolving. And, even though I consider myself well-versed and well-lived, I am wrong very often. So, I am truly sorry if I hurt anyone.

I will be following up with a longer post online at a later time once I can decompress. But, for now, I want to give this apology with my sincere sadness for any confusion or hurt that I may have caused.

-Lindsay

P.S. Pride release is still happening because our Pride is unwavering 🏳️‍🌈
#Repost from @goldspotbrewing • Two new beers fo #Repost from @goldspotbrewing
•
Two new beers for y’all!  First: Out Loud Maibock - collaboration with @fictionbeer has notes of honey, bread and a refreshing finish. Benefiting @transformative_freedom_fund and @everywhereisqueer  Second: Our newest West Coast IPA with notes of mango, pine and orange 🥭🍊🌲
In response to the events transpiring in the world In response to the events transpiring in the world, we thought we’d share this reminder: Beer is for Everyone. All of us; not some of us 🍻

We received a message from someone saying, “What a great idea and group! I was ready to support until I saw the use of the word “womxn”. Sorry…” 

So, in case you didn’t know, beer is for everyone! And, we unequivocally mean it.

Beer is for…

Trans folx
Queer folx
Non-binary folx
LGBTQIAA2S+
QTBIPOC
Womxn

Beer is for Everyone

And, to celebrate our love for our diverse, intersectional community, we are doing a surprise PRIDE drop. 

But, it’s not June. How could we be releasing Pride merch? Well, guess what, Pride is 365/24/7 here 🌈 As it should be. 

Cheers! Stay tuned for much more - We might be making this a double drop special. 

Mark your calendars for 3/31 at noon PST on Transgender Day of Visibility- As a direct response to the anti-trans, anti-queer legislation and rhetoric surrounding our nation, we combat them with awareness, advocacy, and radical joy.
An event from @rhythmbrewingco • Brewing Change: An event from @rhythmbrewingco
•
Brewing Change: A Conversation & Beer Tasting with Alisa Bowens-Mercado @ladylager1 Tuesday, March 28th 6-7:30pm, Location @ontherocksqu, 305 Sherman Ave, Hamden, CT.

We will also be showing a short clip of the documentary @onepintfilm which highlights Black brewers, brand owners, and influencers across the country who are reshaping the craft beer industry. This event is being co-sponsored by the Department of Cultural and Global Engagement, M&T Bank Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and the M&T Bank Center for Women & Business.

*No person under the age of 21 years will be served or allowed to consume alcoholic beverages at the event. Proof of age will be required. 

Please use form (link in bio) to register for the event and submit questions you would like answered during the Q&A portion.
Our “Beer Unites” shirt on our amazing @ladies Our “Beer Unites” shirt on our amazing @ladieswhobrew
•
#repost 
Drinking beer in my @beerisforeveryone shirt. @skeletonkeybrewery
#crazyhairdontcare
Follow on Instagram
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Beer is for Everyone

SMALL NON-PROFIT MEDIA PUBLICATIONS

Beer is for Everyone is a grass roots project that was born from the need for more diverse bodies, spaces, and voices within the craft beer community. We look to encourage the inclusion of all people who love craft beer.

Most Popular

Lone Star Riddles

Yellow plastic crates with beer bottles in a brewery.,Bairds Brewery,Japan

The Beer Boom

Sharing beer

Colonialism and the Legacy of Lager in Mexico

Mexican alcohol cocktail chelada with light beer and lime juice
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