Andy Cohen mourns the loss of friend George Kolasa, who died after battling aggressive brain cancer at age 56: ‘I’ll see you on the other side, brother’

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 cancer and those diagnosed have an average life expectancy of 12 to 18 months.

Kolasa learned of his condition in February 2022 after doctors discovered a “grapefruit-sized brain tumor.” It was then surgically removed and determined to be malignant.

“George Kolasa passed away today after an inspiring battle against glioblastoma,” Cohen, 55, wrote. “Inspiring may seem like a strange choice of words, but George was so at peace with himself and what his future would hold – dare I say he found all the joy he could find in something decidedly UNjoyful.”

The Bravo EP featured a portrait of Kolasa and a photo of himself posing next to his late friend.

He continued, “But that was who George was. The love he shared with his husband Justin lifted everyone who knew them.”

Cohen drew attention to Kolasa’s Cycle For Survival fundraiser which aims to support people battling rare cancers.

It has a goal of $1,000,000 and more than $500,000 has already been raised.

“He wanted his legacy to be his contribution to helping fight rare cancers, so I’m putting the link to his fundraiser in my biography,” he wrote.

‘Life is so precious. I feel like George was picked at random from the line and showed us all what it’s like to live with courage and light.

“He set a wonderful example. George was a Deadhead, so I like to think he could be tickled that he died on the same day as Jerry Garcia. I hope Jerry sings a special welcome song for him up there.

“All my love to Justin and all of George’s family. See you on the other side, brother,” Cohen concluded.

Kolasa was very successful in the luxury fashion world and held leadership positions at brands such as Giorgio Armani and Tommy Hilfiger, according to CFDA.

He was an expert in marketing and public relations with three decades of experience in the industry.

Earlier this year, Kolasa spoke to CFDA about his glioblastoma battle, which included radiation, chemotherapy, infusions and, more recently, a monthly vaccine trial in Germany.

“George Kolasa passed away today after an inspiring battle against glioblastoma,” Cohen, 55, wrote. ‘Inspiring may seem like a strange choice of words, but George was so at peace with himself and what his future would be – dare I say he found all the joy he could find in something decidedly UNjoyful’; seen in July

Kolasa (pictured in June 2022) learned of his condition in February 2022 after doctors discovered a “grapefruit-sized brain tumor.” It was then surgically removed and determined to be malignant

Kolasa recalled experiencing a decline in his health 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 people battling rare cancers. It has a goal of $1,000,000 and more than $500,000 has already been raised; seen in May

Kolasa recalled experiencing a decline in his health in February 2022 and how his friend rushed him to the ER where his scans revealed a brain tumor.

“This was 2/22/22, 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, incurable brain cancer. This was my life now and would be my calling – to help others,” he explained.

Though life as he knew it was forever changed, Kolasa wanted his family and friends to know, “I’m okay with whatever God’s plan is for me.

“Taking my Instagram community on my treatment journey — through radiation, chemotherapy, MRIs, countless appointments at Memorial Sloan Kettering with the incredible oncology doctors and teams — makes it all more real and human and I hope it’s less scary for others who suffer and their families. and friends.’

He has received an outpouring of “love and support” from his friends and colleagues in the fashion industry and they have come together to support his fundraising efforts.

“The fashion community is showing up. Day in and day out for me. And helps me help others with whatever resources they have,” Kolasa said.