The Thumbs Up Fund To Honor Brett Haubrich was established to help raise money for research for Brett's type of brain tumor. Brett was diagnosed with a grade 3 brain tumor called Anaplastic Astrocytoma. It is our hope to find a cure for this type of brain cancer.
2025
$15,535
Funds Raised in 2025
2024
$14,215
Funds Raised in 2024
$183,212
Total Funds Raised
Since 2015

The Story Behind This Hero Fund

Brett Haubrich is a sweet and kind 13 year old boy.

In the summer of 2014, school had just let out and he was looking forward to a summer of baseball and hanging out at the pool. He looked forward to playing football, his favorite sport, in the fall. He had just finished 5th grade. He turned 11 the end of May, and that is when his headaches began. Terrible headaches that became worse. It was dismissed as a virus and finally was diagnosed mid-June 2014 as a grade 3 brain tumor called Anaplastic Astrocytoma. The fun summer of plans was replaced with an unscheduled detour into the world of childhood cancer. Surgery for hydrocephalus was first up and a much needed biopsy. The tumor was very deep in the brain in the thalamus. Thanks to his wonderful neurosurgeon, Dr. David Limbrick at Children's Hospital in St. Louis, MO, a biopsy was made. We were all shocked to find out a grade 3 tumor the size of a golf ball was in Brett's brain. Inoperable, we tried very hard to find a good treatment plan.

We were stunned to find there was a standard of care that was not very successful with brain tumors. He began proton radiation in St. Louis. He started chemotherapy. He was sick for a week each month due to the chemo. He completed his year and the tumor responded very well. However, only one month off treatment, the tumor began growing in October 2015. He was enrolled in a clinical trial at St. Louis Childrens Hospital in January 2016. It involved a new MRI laser ablation surgery done by Dr. Limbrick and Dr. Leuthardt. Brett was one of the first kids to receive this new procedure. He also had a clinical trial chemotherapy. The response was good. However, some tumor was left behind due to being too close to the motor tracks. This portion started to grow in April 2016. The surgery was repeated, yet riskier. Doctors were amazed, though, that Brett could still walk after surgery. He walked with a limp with right-sided arm and leg weakness. We are grateful for every moment we had with him. We lived scan to scan. We prayed hard all the time for no new growth.

Brett was a kind boy. His Make-a-Wish was to be a priest for a day. He enjoyed making others happy more than anything. He was a big Packers fan and his favorite trip was being at Lambeau Field in 2015. The Thumbs Up Fund was named after Brett's symbol of hope and happiness. He gave a thumbs up in many pictures since he was little. It's a symbol easily associated with him. We would like to raise money for research for tumors like Brett's so other families have more options and a cure. Team Brett has participated in fundraising for St. Baldricks since 2015.

Each year they raise at least $10,000. Even though Brett did not like losing his hair with treatment, he bravely shaved it to help others. His team is made up of parents and students and friends of Brett's that want to help raise money for research for a cure.

Highlights & Happenings

  • Rosaries for Brett Haubrich #TeamBrett

    The Haubrich family is encouraging people to pray the Rosary for their beloved Brett. Click here to find out more.
  • Your Support Means So Much

    These friends and family members helped us raise funds for childhood cancer research in honor of Brett! See the 2017-2024 list.
  • What You Should Know

    Childhood cancer affects thousands of kids and families around the world every year. This infographic shows a few realities you should know.

Photo Gallery

Funding in Action

Donations given to the Thumbs Up Fund To Honor Brett Haubrich have funded St. Baldrick's Research Grant for Joshua Rubin M.D, Ph.D. Dr. Rubin is researching better treatments for brain tumors at Washington University in St. Louis which is affiliated with St. Louis Children's Hospital.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the childhood cancer community, to ensure that every dollar makes the greatest impact for kids with cancer.

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Who's Involved

These people make us smile - they’re the doers and money-raisers on behalf of the Thumbs Up Fund To Honor Brett Haubrich. They’re shaving their heads, hosting events, starting fundraisers and more to make childhood cancer research possible.

2025 Teams

  • Team Brett 2025 Team Photo
      Team Brett 2025
      • Mar 8th, 2025
      • St Baldrick’s Helen Fitzgerald’s
      • St. Louis, MO

      Raised $15,532.45

      Participants 2

    Thank You to Our 2025 Donors

    $100–$249

    • Happy Heavenly Birthday Betty Boy, Love Aunt Keke & Uncle Chuck In Memory Of Brett Haubrich

    Get Involved Your Own Way

    • Create An Event

      Start your own St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to support our Hero Fund! A dedicated staff member will guide you every step of the way—and you’ll have fun doing something great for kids with cancer.

    • Be a Shavee

      Register to shave your head and support our Hero Fund at any St. Baldrick’s event worldwide! No event nearby? Go virtual and shave anytime, anywhere.

    • Start a Fundraiser

      Not into head-shaving? No problem! Start a fundraiser for our Hero Fund doing something you love—bike a marathon, host a bake sale, anything goes!

    This event is private

    Private events are for people at the company, organization, school, etc., where the event is taking place. Please don't crash the party.

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    Private events are for people at the company, organization, school, etc., where the event is taking place.