FORBECK FOUNDATION
Lake Geneva, WI
Website | Phone: (773) 425-5980
Mission
The Forbeck Foundation was established by George and Jennifer Forbeck after they lost their son, Billy Guy, to neuroblastoma at the age of 11. During his treatment, they recognized a lack of communication and collaboration among medical experts working on the disease. Determined to change this, they founded the first Forbeck Forum in 1985 to bring leading researchers together to openly share findings and improve treatment options.
Today, 40 years later, the Foundation continues to honor Billy’s legacy by convening scientists and clinicians from around the world to collaborate on advancing cancer research. Through a series of annual scientific meetings—at least two of which are held in Lake Geneva—we provide a focused, distraction-free environment where scientists and clinicians share unpublished data, exchange ideas, and form partnerships that accelerate progress in both pediatric and adult cancers.
In addition to hosting these forums, the Foundation supports critical research resources such as the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group database (INRGdb), helping to speed the pace of discovery. Nearly four decades after Billy’s passing, the Forbeck Foundation remains dedicated to fostering collaboration, advancing scientific knowledge, improving patient outcomes, and moving closer to a cure for cancer.
Community Resources
One example of a program offered by the Forbeck Foundation is our annual scientific forums and retreats hosted in Lake Geneva. At least twice each year—five times in 2025—we bring leading cancer researchers and clinicians from around the world to the community to collaborate and share unpublished findings in a focused, distraction-free setting. These meetings not only advance global cancer research but also elevate Lake Geneva’s reputation as an international hub for scientific collaboration. In addition to the forums themselves, we organize public-facing events such as the Sips for Science Wine Dinner and Taste of Lake Geneva, which invite residents and visitors to engage with our mission while supporting local restaurants and businesses. These events are held in partnership with local establishments including Celebration on Wells, Lake Geneva Country Meats, The Bottle Shop, Topsy Turvy, Oakfire, Queen Bee Market, Lake Geneva Outdoors, and Geneva Tap House, among others, helping drive tourism and economic activity during our gatherings.
The Foundation also maintains a strong personal connection to the community. Our founder, Jennifer Forbeck, resides in Lake Geneva full time, where she raised her family. Her daughter, Jamie—Billy’s younger sister and now our Executive Director—spends summers in Lake Geneva with her own family and continues the Foundation’s legacy through volunteer outreach at local events such as the farmers market.
Through these efforts, the Foundation provides both educational and economic benefits to local residents and visitors while honoring Billy’s legacy and supporting families affected by cancer around the world.
Most Urgent Need
At this time, the Forbeck Foundation’s most pressing need is financial support to help fund the 2026 Spring and Fall Scholar Retreats, which are our scientific meetings held in Lake Geneva. These retreats bring together early-career researchers, clinicians and experienced mentors from around the world to collaborate, share research, and develop the next generation of leaders in cancer research. The total cost of hosting the retreat is approximately $40,000. These funds cover all essential expenses for participating scientists, including airfare, lodging, meals, meeting space, local transportation, and program-related events. By covering these costs, we ensure that participation is based solely on scientific merit rather than financial resources. Support for these retreats is vital to maintaining the continuity and impact of our programs in Lake Geneva. Contributions directly enable global scientific collaboration while also bringing visitors, hotel stays, and business to the local community.
