The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), the first national advocacy organization committed to funding brain tumor research and providing education and information on all tumor types, announced today the appointment of Jim Reilly as Chair of the Board of Directors. Founded in 1973, the ABTA’s mission is to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending, and ultimately saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis. The ABTA represents the interests of the community of brain tumor scientists, patients, caregivers and donors by providing comprehensive resources to support the multi-faceted needs of brain tumor patients and caregivers, as well as funding critical research that works towards breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of brain tumors. In his new role as Board Chair, Mr. Reilly will be responsible for leading the ABTA’s dedicated board members and providing strategic governance for the

Funding Will Support 4 Collaborative Teams to Help Bridge the Translational Gap in Brain Cancer Research CHICAGO, January 17 – The Brain Tumor Funders’ Collaborative (BTFC) – six funders of brain tumor research – just announced $3 million in grants to four multi-institutional teams of researchers and clinicians studying immunotherapy in primary brain tumors. “This collaborative speaks directly to the core of our mission,” said Ralph DeVitto, president and CEO of the American Brain Tumor Association. “This unique opportunity allows us to work with like-minded organizations to provide a greater amount of support for brain tumor research.” The four funded projects will examine vaccination strategies, the tumor’s micro-environment, anti-tumor T-cells, and personalized immunotherapy approaches. They were selected during a multi-stage review process from more than 79 responses to the BTFC call for proposals. The following institutions will be receiving $750,000 BTFC grants over the next three years: Project Sponsor: David

CHICAGO, December 5 – The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), the nation’s first nonprofit organization dedicated to brain tumor education and research, has started accepting grant applications for its Medical Student Summer Fellowships. Medical students interested in neuro-oncology research can apply for this $3,000 grant that supports a summer of learning new skills and techniques alongside esteemed scientists who serve as research mentors. Through this opportunity, the ABTA hopes to inspire future physician-scientists to apply their talents and expertise to the brain tumor field. The ABTA started its research grant program in 1976 – just three years after the organization’s founding – and made the decision to focus funding towards young investigators. Now in its 45th year, the ABTA’s grant program has grown to include four different funding opportunities; however, supporting young medical investigators continues to be a priority. “Funding availability can have a big effect in a young scientist’s

CHICAGO, IL, October 17 – The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), the nation’s first nonprofit organization dedicated to brain tumor education and research, is now accepting Letters of Intent (LOI) for three research funding opportunities. The ABTA’s grants and fellowships support novel and high-impact projects focused on brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. The ABTA will be accepting LOIs until Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. CDT. This year marks the American Brain Tumor Association’s 45th anniversary and, throughout the years, research has been at the forefront of the organization’s mission. To date, the ABTA has funded over $31 million in brain tumor research while contributing to industry defining breakthroughs including: In 1990, the ABTA initiated a feasibility study, which lead to the founding of the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS). The CBTRUS remains the nation’s official resource for gathering and disseminating current epidemiological data on

Chicago, August 31, 2018 – The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), the nation’s first nonprofit organization dedicated to brain tumor education and research, announced today the appointment of Nicole Willmarth, PhD as its Chief Mission Officer. In her new role, Dr. Willmarth will be responsible for integrating and strategically aligning all components of the ABTA’s mission, including patient support and education services and research.  Previously the ABTA’s Chief Science Officer, Willmarth has been instrumental in making fundamental improvements to the research department. “Nicole’s success and leadership in her current role combined with her expertise made this a natural progression,” said Ralph DeVitto, ABTA President & CEO. “When I look at what she’s accomplished as our Chief Science Officer, I am excited to think of what she will do with this new challenge.” Over her three-year tenure at the ABTA, Willmarth has expanded the expertise of the research team and has implemented

Chicago, August 28, 2018 – The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is saddened to learn about the passing of war hero and United States Senator John McCain. Senator McCain was diagnosed with glioblastoma in July of 2017 and fought this devastating disease for a little over a year before succumbing to it this past Saturday, August 25. Glioblastoma represents about 15 percent of all brain tumors (both malignant and non-malignant) and about 47 percent of malignant brain tumors. This disease has no bias and affects people from all walks of life. Glioblastoma is considered to be the deadliest brain tumor, with the average life expectancy after diagnosis being between 11 and 15 months. “The passing of Senator McCain is a tragic reminder of how far we have to go in the development of treatments for glioblastoma,” ABTA President & CEO Ralph DeVitto said. “It is simply unacceptable that patients who