Bryan Stouffer, a former Boiling Springs Midget Football Corporation (BSMFC) coach, is a two-time survivor of Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB). This rare cancer originates in the tissue lining the nasal cavity.
His third surgery to remove the air/gas build-up in his brain was scheduled on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Bryan’s recent appointment at Johns Hopkins brought a mix of positive news and new questions.
His regular neurosurgeon was away, but the appointment with Dr. Dougherty went well. He had his sutures removed and underwent a head CT scan before leaving the hospital.
The scan results revealed two key findings.
The air in his brain has decreased, and there is no sign of bleeding. However, it also revealed an increase in “vasogenic edema,” which is a type of brain swelling.
The neuro team is now deciding on the next steps for treatment, which will likely involve a course of steroids. Steroids have successfully reduced his brain swelling in the past.
Bryan Stouffer’s Courageous Cancer Journey
Bryan Stouffer is a fighter who has faced a rare and challenging cancer diagnosis twice.
He was first diagnosed with Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB), a rare cancer that begins in the nasal cavity, in 2012. After nine years, the cancer returned in 2021.
Bryan underwent intensive treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital, including brain surgery to remove tumors, followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
Moreover, he faced brain swelling in 2023 and 2024. He was hospitalized and received Avastin infusion therapy to try to control the swelling.
Despite these treatments from the past two years, his condition recently worsened, leading to another hospitalization on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
His surgery was scheduled for his third brain surgery to relieve a dangerous build-up of air and gas in his brain on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
His journey continues to be one of immense strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Community Rallies to Support the Stouffer Family
Elizabeth (Liz) Good Alves organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to provide crucial support for Bryan Stouffer and his family as he continues his courageous battle against ENB cancer.
Bryan has been a dedicated father and husband who worked tirelessly to support his wife and four sons throughout his cancer treatment.
Sadly, Bryan was laid off from his job in May 2024, and the family faced immense financial pressure, including $2,300 monthly COBRA health insurance payments.
Despite exhausting their savings and investments, they were forced to stop their COBRA coverage in April 2025.
Bryan has since taken a part-time job for the medical benefits, all while preparing for a major surgery.
The Stouffer family is now facing significant medical and travel expenses for Bryan’s treatment at Johns Hopkins, where he had his third brain surgery.
His doctors believe this procedure could permanently fix his brain swelling and significantly improve his quality of life.
The fundraiser aims to help cover medical bills, travel costs, and essential household expenses, such as groceries and utilities, allowing the family to focus on the former coach’s recovery.
Throughout their challenges, the Stouffer family has remained positive and followed Oscar Wilde’s motto.
When it rains, look for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for stars.
Oscar Wilde
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Bryan Stouffer is a fellow alumnus of Boiling Springs High School, class of 1997.
- He has been married to Nicole Stouffer, and they have four children.
