MindMatters | May 2021
In this edition, we’re showing you ways to make an impact in the brain tumor community while opening doors for yourself after a brain tumor diagnosis.
Look Ahead: Get Informed & Get Involved
The ABTA provides a variety of virtual educational programs and fundraising events. Check out our 2021 calendar and join us!
Moving Forward in the Face of Challenges
Meet Wendy. She started a blog when she lost her voice after brain tumor surgery to remove an oligodendroglioma. And now, two years later, she’s using her blog to empower the brain tumor community.
Finding Strength Through Shared Experiences & Storytelling
What drives us to share our journey with a brain tumor diagnosis? The answer includes the physical and emotional benefits, and beyond. Dive deeper into this topic with the ABTA Patient Services Team and Steve, a nine-year brain tumor survivor.
Free Virtual Education Meeting for Newly Diagnosed
The ABTA along with Co-Chair, Erin Dunbar, MD, Piedmont Brain Tumor Center, has designed a meeting to empower and equip newly diagnosed patients and caregivers with information and resources to make informed decisions throughout treatment and care.
MindMatters | February 2021
This month’s MindMatters features raw stories that highlight the lives of brain tumor patients, caregivers and researchers touched by the ABTA. Get inspired and join the community striving for change with this unforgiving disease.
ABTA Awards 11 Research Grants to Advance Brain Tumor Research
The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) persists in its mission, announcing today the investment of $368,000 towards 11 new research grants to foster innovation in diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in adults and children.
Unraveling the Complexities of Brain Tumors
Cell by cell, experiment after experiment, these three researchers—past ABTA research grant recipients—are leading their careers in brain tumor research because of the potential impact for brain tumor patients and their families.
Now Accepting Brain Tumor Research Grant Applications
Calling brain tumor scientists and medical professionals. The ABTA is now accepting grant applications for Discovery Grants and Jack and Fay
We Built a Bigger Boat!
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Larry loved his fiery, redheaded wife, Lynn. But when Lynn was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), he knew things had to change. It was his turn to take care of his wife and build a bigger boat for them both. In recognition of Caregiver Awareness Month, he wants to share his story.
Exploring Potential Treatments for GBM
Morgan Schrock, DVM, PhD’s first career was a veterinarian, but she later found her second career in brain tumor research. As
Breaking Barriers with Drug Combination Therapy
Trang Nguyen, PhD says the blessing and curse of the brain and solving diseases that impact this important organ is the
MindMatters | November 2020
This month’s MindMatters features raw stories that highlight the lives of brain tumor patients, caregivers and researchers touched by the ABTA. Get inspired and join the community striving for change with this unforgiving disease.
Speeding Up Breakthroughs for Brain Tumors
Research is an iterative process, where experiments need time to ensure results are accurate. But Stephanie Seidlits, PhD is heading up
MindMatters | October 2020
ABTA hosted a trifecta of virtual community events, conferences and meetings in October to bring the latest in brain tumor treatment, care and research to the brain tumor community. Check out these stories about the ABTA National Conference, AARN 9th Annual Meeting and the first-ever BT5K Your Way virtual event.
Virtual Conference Connects Beyond the Screen
Even a pandemic couldn’t keep the brain tumor community from connecting and finding answers at the ABTA National Conference. This year,
United in Our Mission: BT5K Your Way
Whether you walk, bike, rollerblade or push a stroller, anyone, anywhere can BT5K Your Way. Get inspired by three participants joining our nationwide event in creative and unique ways that celebrate their family, friends and loved ones impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.
AARN Annual Meeting Tackles Emerging Brain Tumor Treatment Strategies
Nearly 60 researchers from 22 states and three countries, including Canada, Spain and as far as Australia, joined the virtual American
MindMatters | August 2020
Learn how these ABTA fundraising families have creatively and passionately supported brain tumor research and patient programs through the Fundraise Your Way program.
Maria Menounos Presents Keynote at 2020 ABTA National Conference
Maria Menounos, Emmy® Award-winning journalist, author and actress, joins the 2020 ABTA National Conference as Keynote Speaker to share her journey going from caregiver to brain tumor patient to survivor.
ABTA Announces Recipient of the Joel A. Gingras Award
We are pleased to announce Priscilla Brastianos, MD as the recipient of the ABTA Joel A. Gingras Award for her commitment to the ABTA’s mission through her groundbreaking work and leadership in brain metastasis research. Dr. Brastianos will be awarded the ABTA’s highest honor at the 2020 ABTA National Conference.
How Will You BT5K Your Way?
Whether you walk, bike, rollerblade or push a stroller, anyone, anywhere can BT5K Your Way. Get inspired by three participants joining our nationwide event in creative and unique ways that celebrate their family, friends and loved ones impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.
Walking 1,000+ Miles for His Best Friend
This is Daniel and Craig. They became best friends in high school and remained steadfast buddies through the years. Neither distance
Accepting the Diagnosis and Defying the Prognosis
Kim and Jodi came together after their respective loved ones were impacted by a glioblastoma diagnosis. They found strength and healing
Liz’s Unexpected Brain Tumor Journey
This year, the BT5K Your Way run/walk event holds greater sentiment for Elizabeth and her mom, Heather. This past December, Elizabeth
STELLAR Study: Phase 3 Clinical Trial to Evaluate Eflornithine
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If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with recurrent Anaplastic Astrocytoma, the STELLAR Study may be an option. It is a Phase 3 clinical trial currently enrolling in select sites across North America and Western Europe. To learn more please visit www.stellarstudy.com.
Rock for Research in Recognition of GBM Awareness Day
Wednesday, July 22 is the second annual GBM Awareness Day. Join us for the ABTA’s first online concert Rock for Research, and rally together for those impacted by a glioblastoma diagnosis and GBM research.
Honoring a Rock Legend, Every Month
Rush band fan Scott was devastated to learn that his hero, Neil Peart, passed away from a glioblastoma earlier this year. Fueled by the news, he decided to make a difference in memory of the late drummer and lyricist.
ABTA National Conference Expands Access to Emerging Science and Treatment Information
The largest brain tumor educational meeting is going virtual and offering a free live webcast, Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept 12, 10 AM – 5 PM CT. Sessions cover topics for newly diagnosed, survivors and caregivers.
Brain Tumor Community Unites with BT5K Your Way
Come together, share experiences and amplify support for brain tumor research and the ABTA at the BT5K Your Way. New to our 5K events, participants will be able to connect with their team and others in the brain tumor community through a special mobile app.
ABTA Awards Grants to Invest in Future Researchers
The ABTA announces six recipients of our Medical Student Summer Fellowship grants. We’re investing in medical students to seed the field with future brain tumor physician-scientists.
Patient Navigation: Uncovering the Unknown in Brain Tumor Management
Navigate the complexities of a brain tumor diagnosis and get answers on treatment options, insurance issues and more, through patient navigation services.
New Brain Tumor Treatment Provides a Head STaRT in the Fight Against Brain Tumors
**Sponsored Content** GammaTile Therapy can eliminate the need for traditional repeat radiation treatments so patients with brain tumors can focus on what matters most—healing and getting back to their daily lives sooner. Learn more about GammaTile Therapy and what patients and physicians have to say about it.
MindMatters | July 2020
Learn how these ABTA fundraising families have creatively and passionately supported brain tumor research and patient programs through the Fundraise Your Way program.
BT5K Your Way: Flexible Virtual Fundraising
The ABTA’s largest nationwide fundraiser, Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K (BT5K) Run & Walk events, are moving to more flexible events, where anyone, anywhere can participate.
Emergency Cash Assistance for Brain Tumor Patients
ABTA’s partner, the Sontag Foundation, has established the COVID-19 Emergency Patient Assistance Fund, which provides financial support to patients affected with a brain tumor diagnosis or their caregivers who have been impacted by COVID-19. Applications are now being accepted.
Brain Tumor Recurrence During COVID-19
The sudden emergency of COVID-19 and a brain tumor recurrence has dramatically impacted Brandon Starkoff, ABTA advocate, volunteer and Board of Director member. Learn how he’s managing his second diagnosis during a pandemic.
MindMatters | June 2020
Learn how these ABTA fundraising families have creatively and passionately supported brain tumor research and patient programs through the Fundraise Your Way program.
MindMatters | May 2020
Learn how these ABTA fundraising families have creatively and passionately supported brain tumor research and patient programs through the Fundraise Your Way program.
Are You “All In” for Brain Tumor Awareness?
Brain Tumor Awareness Month not only highlights the complex, evolving needs of patients, survivors and caregivers, but also showcases the impact of an unprecedented global pandemic on the ABTA. Learn more about how you can get “All in for ABTA.”
Brain Tumor Scientist is “All in for ABTA”
Albert Lai, MD, PhD is leading a UCLA research lab for primary brain tumors, including high grade gliomas and glioblastoma. But he credits the launch of his career with the ABTA. Learn how your donations can help jumpstart a brain tumor researcher’s career.
ABTA Expands COVID-19 Resources
Access up-to-date information and resources about COVID-19 and its impact on the brain tumor community. Attend educational webinars and download FAQs
Know Your Worth: Advocate
**Sponsored Content** Although Lynn’s journey with glioblastoma (GBM) has not been easy, nor has her life gone unchanged, she has come to appreciate the importance of what she has. In honor of Brain Tumor Awareness Month, Lynn wants to share her story with you.
A Message from Ralph DeVitto, ABTA President & CEO
Dear Friends, Our brain tumor community is no stranger to navigating through the difficulties and uncertainty of life. And now, with
Thank You, Linda
In March, the American Brain Tumor Association and the brain tumor community as a whole lost an early visionary. Please join us in paying tribute to ABTA co-founder, Linda Gene Goldstein.
COVID-19 and the Brain Tumor Community: Webinar Now Available
The ABTA and Dr. Milan Chheda addressed your concerns and questions about COVID-19 and its impact on the brain tumor community.
Gaining Purpose Through Volunteering
In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, we spotlight how the ABTA National Volunteer Program gains through giving.
Grappling with Brain Tumors
Competitors Byron and Jon spar for brain cancer, kicking off a relationship between Tap Cancer Out and ABTA in support of brain tumor research.
MindMatters | April 2020
Learn how these ABTA fundraising families have creatively and passionately supported brain tumor research and patient programs through the Fundraise Your Way program.
Fundraise Your Way Program Lets You Do It Your Way
Fundraise Your Way to Support Brain Tumor Research and Programs A snowmobile race. Music festivals. Bowling tournaments. Weddings. Graduations. What do
Striking Out Brain Tumors
When Jim was recovering from brain surgery, the hospital staff brought in a makeshift bowling alley into his room. It was
Making Waves for Brain Tumor Research
Kessler Cruise for a Cure event honors Gavin for his love of boating, spending time with loved ones and aiming for
In Lieu of Presents
Tuxes, dresses, flowers, and a tall, pretty cake. It’s a wedding between Joey and Haley who started their relationship five years
ABTA Announces 2019 Lucien Rubinstein Award Recipient
The American Brain Tumor Association has awarded the 2019 Rubinstein Award to Nyle Almeida for his project, “Synaptogenic Glioma Cell Enrichment
MindMatters | March 2020
Learn how these ABTA fundraising families have creatively and passionately supported brain tumor research and patient programs through the Fundraise Your Way program.
Studying Brain Tumors in Dogs to Help Human Patients
Morgan Schrock, DVM, PhD’s first career was a veterinarian, but she later found her life-long love in brain tumor research. As
Resolve to Get Involved in 2020
In 2020, pledge to elevate your involvement in the brain tumor community and the ABTA. Take a peek at our 2020
American Brain Tumor Association and Uncle Kory Foundation Announce Partnership to Accelerate Brain Tumor Research
American Brain Tumor Association announces a new partnership with the Uncle Kory Foundation to accelerate brain tumor research. Through this partnership, the Uncle Kory Foundation will invest $100,000 in the ABTA research program to fund two glioblastoma research projects.
Learning, Listening and ‘Leaning in’ at the ABTA 2019 National Conference
Nearly 600 patients, survivors, caregivers, medical professionals, researchers, and industry representatives participated in the American Brain Tumor Association 2019 National Conference
MindMatters | January 2019
The American Brain Tumor Association has awarded the 2018 Lucien Rubinstein Award to Yekaterina (Katie) Shpanskaya for her project, “Radiomic Discovery
MindMatters | December 2018
Matthew Erickson was diagnosed with a high grade glioma during an ultrasound before birth, but he has defied the odds by his survival.