John Grisham Writes FUS Book, Presents at TEDx

Published: 4 December 2015

Dear friends,

I am excited to share that John Grisham has written a book about focused ultrasound called The Tumor – a fictional account portraying the potential of focused ultrasound to impact all of our futures.

John has been a board member and steadfast supporter of our Foundation for years. He has written the book to ignite widespread interest and raise funds to support our work. The focused ultrasound community is fortunate to have such a compelling advocate helping to spread the word.

As John writes, “I have found no other cause, issue, non-profit or charity that can potentially save so many lives. One day in the not-too-distant future, you or someone you love will be diagnosed with a tumor. Let’s hope focused ultrasound is available.”

John’s story is about a young father named Paul who is diagnosed with a lethal brain tumor. Given current medical options, Paul’s future is bleak. However, fast forward ten years when focused ultrasound is used to treat Paul, extending his life expectancy. In addition to this story, The Tumor includes a summary of the state of the technology and the mission of the Foundation to accelerate progress.

The Tumor will be promoted to the general public. It is available now to download from our website. Free hard copies can be obtained through the site.

I hope you will read the book and share it with your friends and colleagues.

Neal F. Kassell, MD

A Message from John Grisham

This is the most
important book I
have ever written.
- John Grisham

Over the seven years I've been involved with focused ultrasound, I have become convinced of the potential of this amazing technology to change the lives of countless people.

I have also learned how slow and difficult it is for a new technology like focused ultrasound to move from laboratory research to patients in need.

The Foundation was created to shorten this time. They fund research, foster collaboration and strive to increase awareness – a fundamental step to widespread availability. This is a story that needs to be told.

So I did what I know best - I wrote a story. While it's a fictional account, the potential of focused ultrasound is very much real today.

John Grisham

Share the News!

We encourage you to help spread the word about The Tumor via social media. Tell your family and friends about this revolutionary technology and inspiring book.

Jump over to John Grisham's Facebook page to share his post! The Foundation is also joining the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Kassell and Grisham Talk Focused Ultrasound at TEDx Charlottesville

On November 13, Neal Kassell presented the potential of focused ultrasound to improve the lives of people with many serious medical disorders. He discussed how the evolution of a new therapy like focused ultrasound often takes decades because of myriad technical, regulatory and awareness barriers.

John Grisham related why he became involved in the Foundation and his role as a storyteller in helping to spread the word. He introduced his new short book, The Tumor.

Read how Kimberly got
back on the road

Then the story transformed from fiction to reality. Kassell introduced a video of Parkinson's patient Kimberly Spletter, disabled by uncontrollable shaking. Kassell posed the question, “what if focused ultrasound could help?”

Kimberly ran on stage to share her experience as one of the first participants in a clinical trial using focused ultrasound to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's. She spoke of renewed hope and thanked the pioneers helping to make new breakthroughs possible. The awe-inspired audience of more than 1,000 rose to their feet with a thunderous standing ovation.

WATCH NOW >