It is with a heavy heart that the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) announces the recent passing of ABTA co-founder Linda Gene Goldstein.
Susan Netchin Kramer and Linda Gene Goldstein founded the ABTA in Chicago in 1973. After Susan’s daughter, Stephanie, was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Susan was determined to find a cure to save her little girl. Her path crossed with Linda, whose daughter, Micki Rae Shanoff, just passed from a brain tumor.
“Mom took tremendous pride in her work for the ABTA. I know how much it meant that the unspeakable pain she suffered could be
used to help others.”
From the depths of great despair, these women joined forces to establish a national organization dedicated to accelerating research and providing patient resources.
“With Susan Kramer, mom co-founded the ABTA after losing my beautiful 6 ½-year-old sister, Micki Rae Shanoff, to a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) of the pons,” said Linda’s son, TJ Shanoff. “Mom took tremendous pride in her work for the ABTA. I know how much it meant to her that the immense, unspeakable pain she suffered could be used to help others.”
With Linda’s dedication in the earlier years of the ABTA, Susan continued to shape and expand the organization, which has raised over $32 million for brain tumor research and provides best-in-class support services and information.
“We are emboldened by this loss to continue our mission to help ensure not one life is lost to a brain tumor,” said Ralph DeVitto, president and CEO of the American Brain Tumor Association.
Read more about the founding of the American Brain Tumor Association.
