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United in Our Mission: BT5K Your Way

The ABTA’s first virtual 5K fundraising event, BT5K Your Way, commenced on September 13 with people from across the U.S. and the world participating to support our mission.

In Their Own Words

“For Delia: Taken too soon from us.” - Suzy, Texas (@girlboss2010)

“It was a great opportunity for us to contribute to a worthy cause and support our co-worker.” - Adina, Michigan

“It’s not about us, it’s about taking steps towards a cure and research for brain tumors.” -Rachel, Ohio (@conkel_cutie_2911)

“Being a part of the BT5K Your Way this year was a very emotional and personal choice for my family and I. My incredible Dad, our Hero, passed away in February from a brain tumor, and we couldn’t think of a more whole-hearted way to honor his life.” -Sarah, California (@sarahs_swissbeauty)

"Being able to use running as a foundation in spreading awareness for a cause and supporting others through difficult times is truly an amazing thing.” -Kaitie, Texas (@your.average.kaitie)

First Virtual Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K

Though the Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K community was unable to gather in-person this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were still united in the shared vision that someday, not one life will be lost to a brain tumor.

The brain tumor community’s dedication to the ABTA mission is evident in all of the stories and images shared on social media. The virtual BT5K Your Way, a new event the ABTA added amid the COVID-19 pandemic, drew participants from across the U.S., from Seattle to Tampa, New York to San Diego, Houston to the Twin Cities. We even had folks from as far away as Singapore and New Zealand participate in BT5K Your Way (check out the map!).

Annually, the BT5K fundraising events raise $2.3 million to fund ABTA patient service programs and breakthrough brain tumor research (hence the event’s name), including funding Discovery Grants—one-year, $50,000 grants for high-risk, high-impact research with the potential to change current diagnostic or treatment models. In 2019, the ABTA funded nine Discovery Grants alone!

Dramatic Impact to ABTA’s Mission

Given the pandemic, we expect to raise 38% of the aforementioned $2.3 million total this year. We’re currently at $807,194 (an almost $1.5 million deficit). This deficit will dramatically impact the ABTA’s mission. We need more BT5K participants building fundraising teams.

Upcoming Events

Please spread the word by sharing this story or the links to these future events.

Virtual Kick-off: Saturday, October 17,
10:30 a.m. PT

Walk/Run Your Way: October 17 – November 1

Virtual Celebration: Sunday, November 1,
5 p.m. PT

Virtual Kick-off: Saturday, October 24,
9 a.m. ET

Walk/Run Your Way: October 24 – November 8

Virtual Celebration: Sunday, November 8,
5 p.m. ET

Thank you for stepping up and BT5King, across the country and the world! If you’re unable to BT5K Your Way, please consider making a donation.

Advancing Brain Tumor Research and Support

Thanks to the generous support of donors like you, the American Brain Tumor Association has invested over $35 million in life-changing brain tumor research, helping pave the way for breakthroughs like the FDA approval of vorasidenib, a groundbreaking treatment for low-grade glioma. Through our Meet Hope Head On campaign, we continue funding critical research and providing free resources for patients and caregivers—bringing hope and advancing care for the brain tumor community.

🤍 Join Us in Making a Difference: Donate Now