Our Highest Honor

During the early years of the ABTA, Gail and Don immersed themselves in the mission to help build the foundation of the organization you see today. As the first organization dedicated to brain tumor education, research and advocacy, their leadership gave rise to a best-in-class patient and caregiver support programs, a renowned research program recognized by the medical community and National Institutes of Health and aggressive advocacy initiatives that gave way to national data collection.  

Gail was laser focused on ensuring patients and families had access to accurate and accessible educational materials and support programs. She authored the ABTA’s first educational booklet titled “A Primer of Brain Tumors,” which was applauded by the medical and patient communities. To this day, the Brain Tumor Primer is distributed by medical professionals to newly diagnosed patients. 

She also co-produced the inaugural ABTA Family Weekend in Chicago in 1993, commemorating the organization’s 20th anniversary, and continued to be involved in organizing subsequent biennial patient and family programs. Recognizing the need to reach families who could not afford the expense or time to travel to Chicago for educational meetings, she developed remote educational meetings to ensure access to valuable information and support. These programs are still in existence today. 

And of great significance, Gail advocated for nationwide collection of brain tumor data that lead to the ABTA founding the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS) in 1992, which is the leading resource of data for benign and malignant primary brain tumors.  

In the early years of the organization, Don served as the ABTA’s volunteer executive director for 14 years tirelessly developing and fostering revenue streams to enable the ABTA to deliver upon its mission. He cultivated relationships with influential donors and foundations in the Chicago area, resulting in over $1.4 million in donations to support the ABTA’s initiatives. From seizing an opportunity to host an ABTA fundraiser during a Frank Sinatra concert to cultivating a relationship with the Joel Anthony Gingras Memorial Foundation which has contributed more than $2 million to the ABTA.  

Despite their extensive contributions, Gail and Don’s involvement with the ABTA extends beyond their past roles. They continue to be active supporters and generous donors, belonging to the Kramer Society and serving as Honorary Board members. They volunteer their time during the ABTA’s National Conference and provide trusted counsel as informal advisors. Their ongoing dedication reflects their enduring commitment to the ABTA and the brain tumor community.