ABTA volunteers drive our mission, bringing promise to patients and families. This National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 20-26, 2025), we celebrate and express our gratitude for all the individuals who are improving the brain tumor community and beyond! Their dedication challenges us to strive for a better world.
Meet one ABTA volunteer who is determined to change the trajectory for families facing the devastating diagnosis of a brain tumor. Learn how you can get involved with a project or opportunity with the ABTA. Every moment of efforts helps move the community forward!
Making a Difference in the Brain Tumor Community
For Jim Watters, volunteering is incredibly personal.Jim never expected to become a passionate advocate for brain tumor research and patient support. But when his wife, Janet, was diagnosed with an astrocytoma in 2017, their journey through treatment and loss reshaped his perspective. Now, Jim dedicates his time and energy to the ABTA, ensuring that others facing similar battles receive the support they need.
Jim’s first encounter with ABTA came in 2018 when he and Janet participated in the Chicago BT5K, raising over $6,000 with the help of their community of friends, colleagues and Janet’s former dental patients. Though the event was initially a way for loved ones to see Janet, it sparked something in Jim. After grieving Janet’s passing in 2018, he took a step forward, beginning his journey as an ABTA volunteer five years later.
Since then, Jim has been a dedicated presence at numerous events, from the ASCO Annual Meeting to the Chicago Marathon. This past winter, his commitment was on full display at the 2025 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend event, where he woke up at 2 a.m. to support Team ABTA runners by securing a prime spot along the route to cheer them on. The event’s 43 participants raised nearly $100,000, a testament to the impact of every volunteer’s effort. Speaking on why he dedicates so much time to the ABTA: “I don’t want people to go through what Janet and I went through,” he says. Whether it’s advocating for patients, supporting research, or raising crucial funds, Jim honors Janet’s legacy with every volunteer opportunity, ensuring that hope remains for future patients and families.
ABTA Volunteers are the 💜 of Brain Tumor Community
Volunteers are the heart of the ABTA! Our deepest gratitude to each of them for their dedication, time, and compassion. They fuel our mission, bringing hope to patients and families. Every effort, big or small, makes a difference, and we are endlessly thankful for their unwavering support.
The ABTA National Volunteer Program provides a wide range of opportunities for individuals looking to make a difference in the brain tumor community. Volunteers can take part in fundraising events such as the BT5K run/walks, Team ABTA, or Fundraise Your Way initiatives. Additionally, they can offer direct support by mentoring patients and caregivers or participating in public speaking engagements. The ABTA volunteer community is diverse, including patients, caregivers, family members, friends, healthcare professionals, and researchers. We’re proud to have a high-impact volunteer program called the Volunteer Leadership Advisory Council. The group 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. Currently, the council consists of thirteen members from across the country who demonstrate a continuous support and passion for our mission through their leadership, revenue-building and outreach.
Raising Awareness with New Social Ambassador Program
Led by Jared Shipman, one of the ABTA’s social media gurus, the ABTA is launching the Social Media Ambassador program. This program is designed to empower individuals who are passionate about spreading awareness and offering support through their personal brain tumor stories.
Similar to influencers in areas of gardening, skincare or food, Social Media Ambassadors will use their social platforms to share their journeys. Whether they are just beginning the journey or have walked this path for a while as a survivor or caregiver, this program offers a chance to connect and inspire others who understand the journey.
“It’s an opportunity for those who are at a stage in their life who want to help others going through a similar journey; and share information from a very authentic place,” said Jared.
Already seven inspiring influencers have joined the initiative, and Jared hopes more will join at an upcoming open call. The program connects through a dedicated Facebook group and an initial questionnaire of interest is shared with a potential influencer. Each month, the ABTA will provide a new theme related to the brain tumor journey, along with suggested graphics and content that can help foster meaningful conversations within their communities.
“This initiative is intended to be collaborative,” said Jared. “It doesn’t matter whether you have five or 500 followers, the ultimate goal is help individuals connect with their audiences in an impactful and meaningful way about the brain tumor journey.”
Why Volunteer? Life-Changing Benefits of Giving Back
There are many reasons to give back through volunteering. Here are a few to consider.
- Community Connection: According to volunteer manager, Sherrie Izban, “Volunteers are the cornerstone of the ABTA and are vital to raising awareness in the communities in which they live and work. Our volunteers are passionate individuals who work together to make a difference in the brain tumor community. They play an integral part in supporting and advancing our mission, and we could not do what we do without them.”
- Social Support: ABTA’s social media expert, Jared Shipman, says, “While the ABTA delivers many wonderful resources to patients, caregivers and families, sometimes it is best to hear directly from people who have traversed a similar path on the brain tumor journey.”
- Rewarding Experience: According to dedicated ABTA volunteer, Jim Watters, “The individuals who work at ABTA are a very dedicated and caring group of people. Volunteering for ABTA has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me.”
Volunteer Opportunities
Getting involved is simple! Some upcoming volunteer opportunities include:
- Spring BT5K Events: ABTA is actively recruiting volunteers for its upcoming Spring BT5K events. Interested individuals start by reaching out to the ABTA Volunteer Network Manager, Sherrie Izban, and completing an application.
- ABTA Social Ambassador Program: The ABTA is accepting applications for our Social Ambassador Program for people who have a following 500 or greater on social channels. For more information on becoming an ABTA Social Ambassador, contact Jard Shipman at jshipman@abta.org.
- Explore other opportunities and roles at abta.volunteerhub.com.
