CHICAGO, IL, October 17 – The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), the nation’s first nonprofit organization dedicated to brain tumor education and research, is now accepting Letters of Intent (LOI) for three research funding opportunities. The ABTA’s grants and fellowships support novel and high-impact projects focused on brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. The ABTA will be accepting LOIs until Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. CDT. This year marks the American Brain Tumor Association’s 45th anniversary and, throughout the years, research has been at the forefront of the organization’s mission. To date, the ABTA has funded over $31 million in brain tumor research while contributing to industry defining breakthroughs including: In 1990, the ABTA initiated a feasibility study, which lead to the founding of the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS). The CBTRUS remains the nation’s official resource for gathering and disseminating current epidemiological data on

Chicago, August 31, 2018 – The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), the nation’s first nonprofit organization dedicated to brain tumor education and research, announced today the appointment of Nicole Willmarth, PhD as its Chief Mission Officer. In her new role, Dr. Willmarth will be responsible for integrating and strategically aligning all components of the ABTA’s mission, including patient support and education services and research.  Previously the ABTA’s Chief Science Officer, Willmarth has been instrumental in making fundamental improvements to the research department. “Nicole’s success and leadership in her current role combined with her expertise made this a natural progression,” said Ralph DeVitto, ABTA President & CEO. “When I look at what she’s accomplished as our Chief Science Officer, I am excited to think of what she will do with this new challenge.” Over her three-year tenure at the ABTA, Willmarth has expanded the expertise of the research team and has implemented

Chicago, August 28, 2018 – The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is saddened to learn about the passing of war hero and United States Senator John McCain. Senator McCain was diagnosed with glioblastoma in July of 2017 and fought this devastating disease for a little over a year before succumbing to it this past Saturday, August 25. Glioblastoma represents about 15 percent of all brain tumors (both malignant and non-malignant) and about 47 percent of malignant brain tumors. This disease has no bias and affects people from all walks of life. Glioblastoma is considered to be the deadliest brain tumor, with the average life expectancy after diagnosis being between 11 and 15 months. “The passing of Senator McCain is a tragic reminder of how far we have to go in the development of treatments for glioblastoma,” ABTA President & CEO Ralph DeVitto said. “It is simply unacceptable that patients who

CHICAGO, July 17, 2018 – The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), the nation’s first nonprofit organization dedicated to brain tumor education and research, announced today the funding of 19 new research grants at 14 different institutions. The ABTA’s Research Program supports both established and new scientists in discovering more about the causes, effects, diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors. “It is our goal to continue funding research that brings bright, young, talented investigators into the field,” said Ralph DeVitto, ABTA President & CEO. “It’s important to keep attracting the best talent and the best way to do this is to fund them early in their careers.” Of the grantees awarded this year, the ABTA is supporting 16 early-career scientists (three early-career faculty, five postdoctoral fellows and eight medical students) who are bringing innovative ideas to the field. “We are excited to continue our legacy of funding critical brain tumor research,”

“Chicago, IL – American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), the first national advocacy organization committed to funding brain tumor research and providing education and information on all tumor types, announced today that it has appointed Ralph DeVitto as its President & Chief Executive Officer. Founded in 1973, ABTA’s mission is to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending, and ultimately saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis. It represents the interests of the community of brain tumor scientists, patients, caregivers and donors. For nearly 45 years, ABTA has provided comprehensive resources to support the multi-faceted needs of brain tumor patients and caregivers, as well as the critical funding of research pursuing breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of brain tumors. In his new role as President & CEO, Mr. DeVitto will be responsible for leading ABTA’s dedicated staff, while increasing

“CHICAGO, IL – Forty-five years ago, the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) was founded in Chicago by two mothers, Susan Netchin Kramer and Linda Gene Goldstein, looking for answers that, at the time, were not yet available. Since then, the ABTA has funded more than $30 million in brain tumor research and now reaches a national audience to provide educational and support resources. On Saturday, March 3, 2018 – to kick off the 45th anniversary – the ABTA hosted two of its signature events that bring the brain tumor community together. In Atlanta, patients, caregivers and health care professionals attended a Partners in Treatment and Care meeting. These meetings, held in different cities throughout the year, allow patients and caregivers to meet one another and hear from a lineup of local, highly regarded brain tumor physicians. Brian Olson, ABTA Board Chair believes “the nationwide Partners in Treatment and Care meetings represent