For over 50 years, your support has sustained the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) in its mission to further brain tumor awareness, education and the pursuit of a cure for this relentless disease. 

Did you know that one of the ABTA’s first grantees was Dr. Mitchel Berger, MD, UCSF? An ABTA research grant enabled him to later secure substantial NIH and NCI funding for large-scale brain tumor research. Now a world-renowned neurosurgeon, Berger continues to pioneer awake-brain mapping techniques to further advance brain surgery and improve patient outcomes. 

“Really, the answer comes in research,” Berger said.  

It’s this kind of innovative work that is changing the lives of brain tumor patients like Katie Groetsema, who was first diagnosed with ganglioglioma at 20 and later, with GBM. 

Katie faced partial paralysis from her first surgery in 2002. But when her tumor returned as glioblastoma  in 2007, awake-brain surgery preserved her mobility and quality of life. 

When Katie faced a recurrence in 2009, she and her family found solace at the ABTA National Conference. Meeting fellow survivors and renowned doctors like Berger, gave her hope. They’ve made the conference an annual tradition, including this year. 

“The ABTA is a community of hope and friendship,” Katie said. “Free programs like the National Conference are a lifeline for brain tumor patients and their families.” 

This fall, continue to make a difference by helping the ABTA “Meet Hope Head On,” a five-year, $50 million campaign to: