Andy Cohen is mourning the loss of his “inspirational” friend George Kolasa, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 56 after a battle with glioblastoma.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor that spreads rapidly and destroys healthy brain tissue. There is no cure for the aggressive brain tumor and the average life expectancy of the diagnosed person is 12 to 18 months.
Kolasa learned of his condition in February 2022 after doctors discovered a “brain tumor the size of a grapefruit.” It was then surgically removed and found to be malignant.
“George Kolasa passed away today after an inspiring battle with glioblastoma,” wrote Cohen, 55. “Inspirational might seem like an odd choice of words, but George was so at peace with himself and what was to come – dare I say he found as much joy as he could in something downright UNjoyful.”
The Bravo EP included a portrait of Kolasa as well as a photo of him posing next to his late friend.
Andy Cohen is mourning the loss of his “inspirational” friend George Kolasa, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 56 after a battle with glioblastoma
He continued, “But that’s what George was.” The love he shared with his husband Justin lifted everyone they knew.’
Cohen drew attention to Kolasa’s Cycle For Survival fundraiser, which aims to support those fighting rare cancers.
The goal is $1,000,000 with over $500,000 already raised.
“He wanted his legacy to be his contribution to the fight against rare cancers, so I’m including the link to his fundraiser in my bio,” he wrote.
“Life is so precious.” I feel like George was accidentally taken out of line and showed us all what it’s like to live with courage and light.
“He set a beautiful example.” George was a Deadhead, so I think he might resent him dying on the same day as Jerry Garcia. I hope Jerry’s up there singing him a special welcome song.
“All my love to Justin and to George’s entire family.” “See you on the other side, bro,” Cohen concluded.
According to the CFDA, Kolasa has enjoyed tremendous success in the luxury fashion world, holding leadership positions at brands such as Giorgio Armani and Tommy Hilfiger.
He was a marketing and public relations professional with three decades of industry experience.
Earlier this year, Kolasa spoke to CFDA about his battle with glioblastoma, which has included radiation, chemotherapy, IV fluids and, more recently, a monthly vaccine trial in Germany.
“George Kolasa passed away today after an inspiring battle with glioblastoma,” wrote Cohen, 55. “Inspirational might seem like an odd choice of words, but George was so at peace with himself and what was to come – dare I say he found as much joy as he could in something downright UNjoyful”; seen in July
Kolasa (pictured in June 2022) found out about his condition in February 2022 after doctors discovered a “brain tumor the size of a grapefruit”. It was then surgically removed and found to be malignant
Kolasa recalled how his health was deteriorating in February 2022 and how his friend rushed him to the emergency room, where his scans revealed a brain tumor; seen in June
Fundraising: Cohen drew attention to Kolasa’s Cycle For Survial fundraiser, which aims to support those fighting rare cancers. The goal is $1,000,000 with over $500,000 already raised. seen in May
Kolasa recalled that in February 2022, his health was deteriorating and his friend rushed him to the emergency room, where his scans revealed a brain tumor.
“That was on 02/22/22 and within 48 hours.” [his husband] Justin found the best neurosurgeons in NYC to remove as much of the tumors as possible and on 2/25/22 I was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, an incurable brain tumor. “That was my life and my calling now – to help others,” he explained.
Though life as he knew it had changed forever, Kolasa wanted his family and friends to know, “I agree with God’s plan for me.”
“By taking my Instagram community with me on my treatment journey — through radiation, chemotherapy, MRIs, countless appointments at Memorial Sloan Kettering with the incredible oncology doctors and teams — it all becomes more real and human and I hope it does for other sufferers and their families.” is less scary.’ and friends.’
He received a flood of “love and support” from his friends and colleagues in the fashion industry, and they came together to support his fundraising efforts.
“The fashion community is coming. day after day for me. And it helps me to help others with whatever resources are available,” Kolasa said.