September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Today, brain tumors are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children under the age of 20, and those diagnosed (with a brain tumor) have few treatment options available. In addition, current treatment options pose risks to a child’s developing brain, and may cause negative long-term effects. National Brain Tumor Society is committed to the vast needs of the brain tumor community, and funds research at leading institutions such as Children’s National Medical Center (Washington, DC) and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY) to drive pediatric research, and expedite the discovery and availability of new treatment options. Learn more...

One recent update on new treatment options is the Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) recent approval of AFINITOR® Disperz (everolimus tablets for oral suspension) for use in pediatric brain tumor patients with subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), a brain tumor seen with a genetic condition called tuberous sclerosis (TS). This drug was previously approved for adult patients, and its new (pediatric) approval provides a safe and effective treatment option for children as young as one year old. Interested to learn more about this recent approval? View the full article.

On the research front, our latest research grant opportunity addresses Oligodendrogliomas, the second most common glioma among all brain tumor patients, including children and young adults. This initiative is just one of the Innovation Research Grants we offer, to support the unique needs of the brain tumor community. Requests for applications (RFA) begin on October 1, 2012.

Advocate of the Month Pati Urias with her son Colin.

In communities across the United States, we are spreading awareness, educating policymakers, and raising critical resources to support National Brain Tumor Society’s mission to find a cure. Our growing base of advocates play a key role in educating their communities and elected officials about the needs of the brain tumor community. This month, our advocate of the month is Pati Urias, an Arizona resident who joined us to fight brain tumors in honor of her son, Colin. A strong voice for our community, she made sure each Arizona congressional delegate was aware of the critical issues facing brain tumor patients. As chair of our Phoenix Brain Tumor Walk, a mentor to other advocates, and a support system to parents of children with brain tumors, she is a leader and an inspiration to all who know her. Thank you Pati, for all that you do! View the latest Public Policy & Advocacy Update.

Community Events Update

First Annual Race for the Brain Event
Westerville, OH - 10/28
Started by Angi Miller, a surgical assistant specializing in neurosurgery, Race for the Brain is an event honoring the many patients Angi has met that are seeking treatments for brain tumors and the many personal acquaintances she has watched bravely battle brain tumors of various types.

Find an upcoming event or email communityevents@braintumor.org to start your own community event. Get involved today!

Tulips Against Tumors

Take part in the Tulips Against Tumors program to honor all those who have been affected by a brain tumor and help raise brain tumor awareness across the United States. Order your tulips today!