The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is the leading organization for advancement of understanding and treatment for brain tumors. Since 1973, the ABTA has been raising funds for research and providing support and resources for families and those who have been diagnosed.
I, Liz, have a personal connection to the ABTA. Thirteen years ago, my dad was diagnosed with an ependymoma tumor in the left ventricle. Through the uncertainty and fear, the ABTA was there for us, offering support and knowledge. Though Goedeker’s has not partnered with any particular charity or organization, we respect and value the work of all non-profits and like to spotlight them on our blog.
I am pleased to introduce ABTA President and CEO, Elizabeth M. Wilson. She took time to answer our questions about the work the American Brain Tumor Association is doing now and its plans for the future.
Tell me a little about yourself and your role at ABTA.
I joined the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) as its Executive Director in June 2008 and was named President and CEO in September 2011. I have applied the skills and expertise developed throughout my career in positions of senior leadership at large complex, mission-driven organizations to my role here. These include business and strategic planning, branding and institutional positioning, marketing communications, and constituent relations.
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What are some goals ABTA would like to achieve this year?
We continue to implement the recommendations of our Mission Advancement Strategy which include a national expansion of our presence in local communities. Efforts thus far have increased year-over-year revenues by 25 percent and helped to position the organization as a leader in brain tumor research funding and patient/caregiver advocacy, education, information and support.
Why do you feel your mission is important?
Unlike other diseases where there is often a family history that serves as a warning and in some cases preventive measures that can be taken to mitigate risks, this is not the case with brain tumors. For all of the progress that’s been made, we still don’t know who, when, and perhaps most frustrating of all, why brain tumors occur. When an individual receives a brain tumor diagnosis it comes out of the blue.
The ABTA, as the first and now only national organization dedicated to funding brain tumor research and providing desperately needed information and educational resources for patients and their families, takes very seriously its responsibility to provide (through information and education) and pursue (through research funding) the answers the brain tumor community seek.
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What are some different programs that you have?
We are known for having the most robust portfolio of information available on brain tumors that is available for patients, families, and health care professionals in a variety of formats including hard copy, web downloads, monthly webinars, and patient/caregiver meetings that brings together national experts and researchers with patients and families living and coping with a brain tumor diagnosis. We have a clinical trial matching service called TrialConnect™ that helps patients identify and enroll in clinical trials. We also have a very dynamic online social network community called Connections that allows brain tumor patients, caregivers and friends to share their stories and support one another.
What kind of brain tumor research is being done right now?
There is a tremendous amount of brain tumor research being done currently. The ABTA is funding research in the most active areas including new drug development and the repurposing of existing drugs; personalized medicine and the cataloguing of biomarkers; the combining of different imaging technologies to improve diagnostics but also to aid in brain tumor surgery, visualization and treatment delivery; vaccines and Immunotherapies; as well as survivorship, more specifically, why therapies are effective in some but not others. In addition, ABTA-funded research is exploring the benefits of rehabilitative services for brain tumor patients, the needs of brain tumor survivors and their caregivers, the financial impact of brain tumor treatment, and the long term effects of treating childhood brain tumors.
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What are some upcoming events ABTA is holding?
We have several Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5Ks in cities across the country including Chicago, LA, Spokane, Tampa, Dallas, Columbus, and New York.
What’s the best way for people to get involved?
Our website provides information on all kinds of ways to get involved in fundraising and awareness efforts. We are also developing several educational and support programs that ABTA volunteers will be able to provide to brain tumor patients and their families at the community level.
Image from ABTA
How can the public donate?
People can go to ABTA to make one time, monthly, event or tribute donations. If their employer has a matching gift program, employees can identify the ABTA as their charity and the company will match their charitable payroll deductions. They can also support the ABTA by shopping Amazon Smile and choosing the American Brain Tumor Association as their charitable organization. Amazon will donate a percentage of their purchase amount to the ABTA.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
Just that the ABTA is aggressively investing in brain tumor research, connecting those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis with the information and resources they need, and expanding our presence, programs and services nationally through the help of a growing and dedicated community of volunteers. Whether you are a brain tumor patient or survivor, a family member, caregiver or friend, know that as long as questions remain and there are answers to be pursued, the American Brain Tumor Association is here for you.
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I would like to thank Elizabeth for taking the time to answer my questions about the ABTA. Like the organization on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to stay up to date with research and events.
Inside the American Brain Tumor Association with Elizabeth M. Wilson by Liz