Volunteer with the ABTA
Volunteers are the heart of our mission and we could not exist without their time, energy and commitment. They play a vital role in supporting ABTA programs and research initiatives across the country that serve and empower the brain tumor community.
Interested in volunteering with the ABTA? Click here to contact Sherrie Izban, Manager, ABTA Volunteer Network.
Volunteer Opportunities
The ABTA strives to provide volunteers with opportunities that are meaningful, engaging and aligned with our mission. Visit VolunteerHub to view all of the currently available opportunities. Opportunities are added throughout the year so check back often! Here are some examples of volunteer opportunities:
- Events Volunteer: Help with setup, registration, and other needs at ABTA events, like our Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k (BT5K) Run & Walk.
- BT5K Committee Member: Join a committee of local volunteers who help plan our largest fundraising event.
- Outreach Volunteer: Raise awareness about ABTA programs, services, and resources by representing the ABTA at local conferences and events.
- Skill-Based Volunteer: Support ABTA special projects with your skills, such as videography, photography, and graphic design.
- Volunteer Event Organizer: Organize your own fundraising event, such as a community 5k, a benefit concert, or a motorcycle ride while supporting patient programs and research.
- Patient Advocate – Research Grant Reviewer: Give patients a voice in research by reviewing applications for ABTA research grants to convey the patient perspective.
Volunteer Application
Learn how you can get involved and make a difference in the brain tumor community.
Juliana Schafer Spirit of Hope Award
The Juliana Schafer Spirit of Hope Award is designed to recognize and honor an individual who has generously donated their time and talents to advance the ABTA mission through their volunteer efforts.
Click below to learn more about the Spirit of Hope Award.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization. Because of you, we've achieved amazing things.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization. Because of you, we've achieved amazing things.
Meet Our Volunteer Leadership Advisory Council (VLAC)
In 2017, the Volunteer Advisory Council was created as a way for our most influential and dedicated volunteers to assist in expanding our volunteer network, be advocates within the broader community and provide support in enhancing the overall volunteer experience.
Today, our Volunteer Leadership Advisory Council consists of active volunteers who demonstrate a continuous support and passion for our mission through their leadership, revenue-building and outreach.
The Council is directly aligned with strategic priorities that support our mission platforms, with strategies customized to the specific needs and resources in their areas. Council members serve as ambassadors for the American Brain Tumor Association in their communities by facilitating collaborations with key corporate partners, health systems, advocacy leaders, and other community stakeholders who can help get us one step closer to saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.
Ashlie Thornbury
Ashlie Thornbury has been a volunteer fundraiser for the American Brain Tumor Association since 2007 and a proud member of the VLAC since its inception in 2017. Ashlie got involved with the ABTA after her aunt, Amy Masiejczyk, passed away from a brain tumor at the age of 39. Ashlie leads partnerships at a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia, PA, where she lives with her husband, Tim, two daughters, Zoa and Thea, and their two cats, Rudy and Park Ranger.
Sabine Schwab
Sabine Schwab, PhD, joined the ABTA Volunteer Advisory Council as one of its inaugural members in 2017. Her involvement with the ABTA started two years prior, after being diagnosed with an Anplastic Astrocytoma brain tumor. As ABTA volunteer, Sabine serves in various different roles, including being a speaker and panelist at various conferences and meetings, Patient Research Grant Peer Reviewer, BT5K NYC planning committee member, etc.
Sabine is a passionate patient advisor and advocate in the brain tumor community. The former researcher transformed her life after a career in the life science industry, and today focuses on breaking down barriers through knowledge dissemination and education in healthcare. In addition to her volunteer work with the ABTA, she serves on multiple other boards and committees, representing the patient voice. The avid yogi has a love for rock climbing and traveling. Sabine lives in NJ with her husband and daughter, who was born just before her diagnosis.
Kim Lachut
Kim Lachut was first introduced to ABTA in 2003 when her dad was diagnosed with a GMB brain tumor. After losing her dad the same year to the disease, Kim set out to honor her father’s memory and began fundraising for ABTA in 2002. In 2008, Kim joined forces with Jodi Kaplan and formed the Sharing Hope CT walk in Connecticut. Through their grassroots efforts, they have raised over $275,000 for ABTA over the last 15 years. In 2019, Kim was as a member of the Sharing Hope CT team that completed the NYC Five Boro Bike Ride and will again be biking in May of 2022 with all proceeds of her ride benefiting ABTA. She is also a mentor for the ABTA CommYOUnity Connect Program that pairs newly diagnosed brain tumor patients and caregivers with “Mentors” who have been through a similar diagnosis.
Caroline Lenher
Caroline Lenher became a member of the Brain Tumor community in 2006 when her dad was diagnosed with a GBM. He was a 13-year survivor and always a supporter of science and research along with the rest of the family. Caroline connected with the ABTA in 2013 to raise money while running the LA Marathon and continues to support through BT5K’s, as a peer mentor and serving on the Volunteer Advisory Council.
Outside of the ABTA, Caroline is a certified master coach partnering with clients in their career advancement, professional and business development. She is a writer and editor for multiple corporate clients and published authors. Caroline’s prior career was in live entertainment marketing and advertising as well as social change communications, and professional training. In addition to her ABTA volunteering, Caroline is a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters of LA. Learn more about Caroline at linkedin.com/in/carolinelenher/ and CKLStrategy.com
Molly Marco
In July 2016, Molly had a seizure in a Detroit coffee shop. After that, life changed dramatically—tests, surgery, and a difficult diagnosis: a grade 3 Astrocytoma. Radiation, chemo, treatment, and many MRIs later– she found a strange new life journey. It began with new friends found on social media, but continued through patient engagement and advocacy, not only all over the country—but the world.
Molly uses her chatty and engaging personality to help new brain tumor patients and caregivers navigate the diagnosis, as well as offering insights to cancer organizations. She has served various roles within ABTA (attending, planning, and participating in conferences, speaking to local metro-Detroit news station and giving a speech at the 2018 BT5K). In addition, she raises brain tumor awareness writing and fundraising for multiple cancer organizations and health systems.
Aside from advocacy work, Molly likes to put heavy barbells over her head just to say she can! She participates in weightlifting events and running groups. In addition, she discovered tap dancing at 40!
Advocacy and Awareness are her goals and affirmations. She has determined to view her cancer diagnosis as a weird gift, not a burden. She has an urgent sense of purpose– to LIVE FULLY and DO IT NOW.
Miranda Dell'Accio
Miranda Dell’Accio is from Frisco, Texas and is a 10-year volunteer and fundraiser for the American Brain Tumor Association, supporting Team ABTA and the Breakthrough for Brain Tumors (BT5K) race series. She joined the ABTA as a volunteer after her father’s GBM diagnosis in 2012 and remained a dedicated advocate since that time.
Miranda studied Economics and Management at the University of Oklahoma graduating in 2001 and earned a Masters of Business Administrations from LeTourneau University in 2008. She has 20 years of financial services experience with a focus on Operations, Process, and Risk Management.
Billi Ewing
Hailing from the Gem City, Dayton, OH, Billi Ewing has been a voice to be reckoned with in many ways over her lifetime. A devoted wife & loving mother of three beautiful children, Billi is an anointed vocalist, motivational speaker, compassionate communitarian, former urban public & charter-school administrator, Wright State University graduate, proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, a proclaimed BEliever and has recently added BRAIN TUMOR SURIVIVOR & ADVOCATE to her extensive list of accomplishments. In 2014, she birthed “Billi’s BElievers – From Tumor to Triumph,” turning a perceived tragedy into a flourishing, faith-filled brain tumor awareness ministry in her community and beyond! Upon learning about the ABTA, Billi wasted no time in getting involved, attending the National Patient and Family Conference in 2018 and has been a proud volunteer and supporter ever since. Once you meet her, she’ll make a BEliever out of you too!
Karma Punwasi
Karma Punwasi’s introduction to the brain cancer community happened in 2012, when her husband, Martin, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme. Recently married, they had bought a house, adopted a dog and were planning for the future. Obviously, brain cancer was not in their plans. For close to eight years, Martin and Karma battled through the trials of a brain cancer diagnosis – Martin as the valiant & positive patient and Karma as the dedicated & hopeful caregiver. Together, they learned so much. In Martin’s passing, Karma realized that sharing their story and her knowledge as a caregiver was a way to keep Martin’s legacy alive. He made such an impact on patients and families he met along the way & Karma’s goal is to continue his work as a volunteer with the ABTA.
Jodi Kaplan
Jodi Kaplan discovered ABTA in 2006 after the devastating news that her husband Steve was diagnosed with glioblastoma. They quickly adopted the mantra “accept the diagnosis…defy the prognosis.” That has served them well as Steve is a 16.5 year survivor and counting. In a strange twist of fate, Jodi’s colleague and friend had also dealt with glioblastoma, losing her Dad. Kim Lachut and Jodi immediately joined forces and formed the Sharing Hope CT walk in Connecticut. Through their grassroots efforts, they have raised over $290,000 for ABTA over the last 17 years. In 2019, Jodi organized the Sharing Hope CT bike team that completed the NYC Five Boro Bike Ride while raising money for ABTA. Jodi and Kim will be at it again along with 7 others biking in the 2022 NYC Five Boro Bike ride with all proceeds benefiting ABTA.
Beth Kassab
Beth Kassab is a Central Florida native and long-time journalist who has devoted her career to local news. She is currently editor of the Winter Park Voice and spent 20 years at the Orlando Sentinel where she covered politics, education, courts, business and local government and also wrote a popular column. She has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, NBC Nightly News, WMFE, WUCF and Fox35. Beth graduated from the University of Florida (go Gators!), where she was editor-in-chief of the Independent Florida Alligator and served as chairwoman of UF’s Department of Journalism Advisory Board from 2018-2020. In 2018, she was a finalist for the Scripps Howard First Amendment Award and has been recognized for her body of work by the Florida Society of News Editors. Beth became passionate about advocating for families coping with a brain tumor diagnosis after her husband, who died in 2022, was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Astrocytoma and she faced her own meningioma diagnosis. Beth volunteers as a peer mentor for patients and caregivers at the American Brain Tumor Association. She lives in Oviedo with her two children.
Bri Salsman
Brittany “Bri” Salsman (she/her/hers) was checking all the “right” boxes – get a degree, find a city to set roots, purchase a home. That all abruptly changed in 2017 when a diagnosis of a meningioma launched her into a life-long relationship with posttraumatic growth. She’s now an International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach and helps others experience this level of growth without the necessity of a traumatic event. She’s a mentor with the ABTA, supports the Chicago BT5K, participates in the Virtual BT5K, and donates a portion of all profits from the sales of her workbook to the ABTA. She’s thrilled to be a part of the VLAC to help spread the word about brain tumors and increase brain tumor research.
Lesley-Anne Stone
Lesley-Anne Stone lost her mother to Glioblastoma in February 2023. She was a part of her mother’s caretaking team. Lesley-Anne has worked in entertainment marketing for over 20 years, handling campaigns for some of the biggest names on the planet, including Cirque du Soleil, Hollywood Bowl, Broadway shows and many more. She has worked for several advertising agencies in Los Angeles and New York City. She is the Founder of the Theatre Intern Group at the American Theatre Wing. Lesley-Anne is a Drama graduate from Ithaca College and recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Lesley-Anne is a public speaker, appearing at conferences and universities across the country. In addition to brain tumor advocacy, Lesley-Anne is an advocate for food allergy awareness and a three-time keynote speaker at the Food Freedom Conference hosted by the Food Allergy Institute. Lesley-Anne is also an avid volunteer for her local public school system.