Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

Today marks the first day of #BrainTumorAwarenessMonth, an important time of year to call attention to brain tumors and the unique challenges patients face. As part of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s continued commitment to make children with brain tumors, survivors and their families a national priority, we are excited to welcome neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta to our Board of Directors.  Dr. Gupta brings extensive clinical, research and journalism experience, including as associate chief of Grady Health System's neurosurgery service, associate professor of neurosurgery at the Emory University School of Medicine's, and as CNN’s chief medical correspondent, to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation community, and we look forward to the many ways he will help drive forward our mission as a valuable and expert advocate for pediatric brain tumor patients, survivors, and their families.  Read the full announcement at https://lnkd.in/eKJCAM85, including quotes from Dr. Gupta, PBTF President and CEO Courtney Davies, and Board Chair Jeffrey Gelfand, and join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Gupta to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation community! #CNN #nonprofitnews #philanthropy

Every child deserves to live a life without limits and achieve their dreams. But, every day, pediatric brain tumors threaten kids’ dreams, futures, and potential. Today marks the beginning of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and all throughout the month, you can take action to help these children turn their dreams into a reality. Join us in supporting children facing brain tumors by starting a fundraiser, raising awareness in your community, or making a direct donation. Together, we can advance research and provide vital support to patients and their families. Find ways to get involved at https://lnkd.in/edZTER3B

Action against pediatric brain tumors starts with awareness and since Childhood Cancer Awareness Month begins tomorrow, you can get a head start by sharing this post on four unforgettable facts to your community on why it's crucial to support children and their families. Your support can fund research that promises not just survival, but the ability to thrive. And it ensures families have the educational, emotional, and financial resources they need during difficult times. Show your support for progress toward ending childhood cancer by donating at https://lnkd.in/ebqTZ4v5

The grief that comes from losing a child to a brain tumor can be incredibly overwhelming and immense. There is no timeline for grief, nor is there a correct way to grieve over the loss of your child. Today on #NationalGriefAwarenessDay, we acknowledge every parent, caregiver, and family member navigating this difficult journey whether it's been a few days or many years. If your child or sibling passed away from a brain tumor, know that the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation community is here for you today and every day. Our Online Bereavement Support Group offers a safe environment where bereaved parents and caregivers can share difficult feelings, empower each other, and learn healthy coping skills. If you're interested in joining, you can learn more at https://lnkd.in/eQRkqwS6

In March 2023, two-year-old Trey was rushed to the emergency room due to severe vomiting and extreme fatigue, only to be diagnosed with stage 4 atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) brain cancer, a rare and aggressive form of brain tumor. Throughout his treatment, Trey and his family faced numerous challenges, including a difficult search for a compatible bone marrow donor, with only a 29% chance of matching. In response, his parents organized a donor drive to encourage more African Americans to donate, aiming to make a meaningful impact on families facing similar struggles. Trey was declared cancer-free in November 2023, but recent scans in August revealed the tumor's return. Despite this setback, his mother, Ebony, remains optimistic, stating, "It is important for people to know that Trey is still fighting and continues to smile through the storm." Learn more about Trey's inspiring journey and his family's efforts to raise awareness for ATRT at https://lnkd.in/eMuC52Zg.

Last Thursday, we were joined by Dr. Chrissy Salley and parents Anne and Nils who talked about the benefits of palliative care for children facing a brain tumor. In this clip, Dr. Salley debunks common misconceptions about palliative care and how important of a role it can play alongside other treatments that your child receives. Learn more about palliative care and gain a stronger understanding about the differences between palliative care and hospice by watching the full webinar at https://lnkd.in/d28WE8hk

Kasey, a longtime fan of Haymakers for Hope, is stepping into the ring at Belles of the Brawl XI on October 10 at the MGM Music Hall in Boston to not only fight for a win but to honor her friends and family whose lives have been forever changed due to a cancer diagnosis. Kasey is directing her fundraising efforts to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, dedicated to supporting critical research and family support resources for children with brain tumors. "Cancer sucks, and if I can make a difference in the lives of even one person by getting punched in the face, then I am all in!" Kasey says. Kasey has already hit 94% of her $10,000 goal, and you can help her knock her goal out of the ring by donating to her fundraising page at https://lnkd.in/e5gxHYHU. Join us in supporting Kasey as she goes head-to-head against childhood brain cancer this October!

Treatment for a brain tumor may require your child to miss school for weeks or even longer, which can make the transition back to school challenging. Many children have questions or feel anxious about going back to school after their treatment. As the back-to-school season approaches, Shelley from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's Imaginary Friend Society is here to help make this big transition as smooth as possible. Come along with Shelley as she guides you on what the first day back might look like. To learn more about how to help your child prepare for their return to school, visit https://lnkd.in/eGDGCY3X.

Last Chance to Register! Our upcoming webinar begins in a little over an hour! There's still time to register for today's webinar at 1:30 PM ET / 10:30 AM PT to join a crucial discussion about understanding the importance of palliative care as you navigate the pediatric brain tumor journey. Learn how to make well-informed decisions for your child's care, advocate effectively for your child, and feel empowered. Register now at curethekids.org/webinar.

Yesterday, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation CEO Courtney Davies, CFO Geoff Still, and his son, pediatric brain tumor survivor Elochukwu Eze, met with @Senator Ted Budd to discuss our advocacy efforts in North Carolina and thank him for his support of the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act. We appreciate Senator Budd’s commitment to enhancing access to quality care for children with brain tumors, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is dedicated to collaborating with legislators nationwide to pass legislation that improves outcomes for patient families everywhere.