The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is proud to recognize Sabine Schwab, PhD, as the recipient of the 2026 Juliana Schafer Spirit of Hope Award.
This award recognizes individuals and groups who go above and beyond to support the ABTA’s mission. Named in honor of longtime ABTA volunteer Juliana Schafer, the award celebrates her passion for raising awareness, supporting families, and advancing brain tumor research. Juliana’s legacy continues through the dedication of her family, friends, and volunteers like Sabine, who work to make a difference in the lives of others.
For more than a decade, Sabine has been a dedicated advocate, volunteer, and voice for the brain tumor community. Through her personal experiences and professional background, she has made a lasting impact on patients, caregivers, and families navigating a brain tumor diagnosis.
Sabine’s journey with the ABTA began in 2015 after she was diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma. What started as a personal connection to the brain tumor community quickly grew into years of meaningful involvement. In 2017, she became an inaugural member of the ABTA Volunteer Advisory Council and has since taken on numerous roles, including serving as a conference speaker and panelist, Patient Research Grant Peer Reviewer, and member of the BT5K New York City planning committee.
With a background in research and life sciences, Sabine brings a unique perspective to patient advocacy. She understands the importance of connecting scientific progress with the real experiences of people living with a brain tumor diagnosis. Today, she continues to champion patient education, share knowledge, and advocate for greater patient representation in healthcare and research. Her commitment extends beyond the ABTA through her involvement on multiple boards and committees, where she works to ensure that the patient voice remains part of important conversations.
Sabine’s dedication has not gone unnoticed by those who have worked alongside her. As fellow Volunteer Advisory Council member Caroline Lenher shared, “I have never met anyone so immersed in their support of the brain tumor community.”
The ABTA is incredibly grateful for Sabine’s continued commitment and is honored to recognize her as the 2026 Juliana Schafer Spirit of Hope Award recipient. Her work is a reminder of the difference one person can make in building a stronger, more connected brain tumor community.
