Fernando Goldsztein is an entrepreneur in the real estate development sector and a board member of Cyrela, one of Brazil’s leading companies in the field. In 2021, Fernando discovered his true life mission when he founded The Medulloblastoma Initiative (MBI) together with Dr. Roger J. Packer. The goal of MBI is to unite a global network of scientists and institutions to accelerate the development of more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for medulloblastoma — the most common malignant brain tumor in children.

For Fernando, “Children shouldn’t have cancer!” He devotes a significant part of his daily schedule to this mission. His journey began when his eldest son, Frederico, at just nine years old, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. Since that life-changing moment, Fernando has dedicated himself to inspiring donors to support this innovative philanthropic model focused on advancing medical research.

Fernando holds a degree in Business Administration from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS, 1993), a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS, 1996), and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management (2003).

A native of Porto Alegre, Brazil, Fernando is 58 years old, married, and the proud father of two children.

Goldzstein briefed National Press Foundation fellows in November 2025: From Son’s Medulloblastoma, a Worldwide Initiative Was Born. Check out the Rare Disease Reporting Guide.