At the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), progress always begins with people.
That’s because the most powerful breakthroughs, whether in brain tumor research or patient care, don’t happen in isolation; they happen when researchers, clinicians, and patients come together to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and drive innovation.
This belief is at the heart of the ABTA’s work, including donors.
“Whether it’s a small gift or a large gift, donors are the ones that are funding high-risk, high-impact research,” says Kelly Sitkin, ABTA President & CEO. “And they are the ones that are lending their voices to advocate for additional federal funding. It is their gifts that help us do what we need to do.”
This collaborative philosophy continues to drive the ABTA’s ambitious Meet Hope Head On campaign, focused on accelerating discovery by increasing investment in people and partnerships. A key part of that investment is supporting the next generation of brain tumor researchers.
“What I’ve been impressed by at the ABTA is that they realize its minds and people. And I think to overcome a tough problem, you need to bring people together,” says Dr. Michael Lim, Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery, Stanford University. By intentionally creating opportunities for collaboration (what Dr. Lim describes as “collisions”), the ABTA helps facilitate new ideas and novel approaches to one of medicine’s toughest challenges—ending brain cancer as we know it. “The ABTA makes a very conscious effort to support students and trainees. And to me, that’s the best investment because they will be the ones in my mind that’ll find the cure for us.”
The ABTA also plays a critical role in advancing high-risk, high-reward research. By providing seed funding for bold, creative ideas, the ABTA helps researchers pursue work that may be too early or unconventional for traditional funding sources—but that holds tremendous potential to change patient outcomes.
Equally important is the ABTA’s commitment to centering the patient voice in research and clinical trials. Understanding and improving the patient experience, from enrollment to treatment, is essential to advancing care. The ABTA ensures that research remains focused on what truly matters: helping brain tumor patients in ways that are timely, feasible, and humane.
Beyond research funding, the ABTA provides vital community support for patients and caregivers through an array of programs and resources, not to mention a sense of belonging throughout an incredibly isolating journey. This network of support strengthens not only individuals and families, but the brain tumor community as a whole.
By continuing to ask, “Is this really going to advance the care of people today or in a timely fashion, in a financially feasible fashion, in a humane fashion,” the ABTA serves as a “guiding force” for meaningful progress, says Dr. Helen Shih, Radiation Oncologist, Massachusetts General Hospital / Mass General Brigham.
It is this unique combination of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering focus on patients that makes the ABTA such an influential leader in advancing brain tumor care.
“There is no better organization that I know of in the world,” says Mark Gilbert, MD, Scientist Emeritus, National Institutes of Health.
If you’re passionate about innovation in the brain tumor field, there are a variety of ways you can get involved with the ABTA:
- Become a recurring monthly donor: this is the best way to sustain our mission.
- Turn your hobby or passion into a fundraiser, Fundraise Your Way.
- Find a 2026 Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k Run & Walk near you.
