National Brain Tumor Foundation: Helping Rebuild Lives

Having a brain tumor can be one of the most devastating things that can happen to anyone. If you are a brain tumor patient you would most likely want to look for comprehensive help over and above medical treatments. One great organization to head to is the National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF).

The NBTF is non-profit and operates nationwide to helping people with brain tumors. It was founded in 1981 by people who truly understand brain tumor conditions— brain tumor patients, their families and experts in the field.

In the beginning, the organization focused on looking for ways to help fund research. In time the organization also began to provide help in the area of improving the quality of life of brain tumor patients through various resources. Today not only does NBTF continue to raise research funds but it is also a valuable source of quality and accurate information as well as meaningful support. It also provides avenues for patients, health care experts and families to keep in touch and keep updated. Let’s take a look at how NBTF is helping change lives and how you can help change lives through NBTF.

Research

This year, NBTF granted $1 million for brain tumor research. That makes the overall amount granted to researchers since 1983 $5 million. The organization is dedicated to supporting innovative new studies on treatments and brain tumor causes. Given equal importance too are studies that will help improve the quality of life of brain tumor patients.

Some of the more recently funded research studies include those that looked into genes and antihistamines and their link to brain tumors and stem cells as therapeutic targets.

Information

The NBTF is a valuable source of correct information that can help patients and families understand brain tumor conditions better. By logging on to the organization’s website one can get to know more about types of tumors, treatments and treatment updates and news. NBTF also has its own newsletter, bulletin boards and chat rooms.

Support

Aside from raw information, NBTF also helps patients look for the emotional and psychological support that they need. You can draw inspiration and courage from stories of survivors. You can even interact with members of the community through online messaging. The organization also has listings of local support groups in different areas.

How Others Can Help

NBTF does not operate for profit and does not receive government funding. NBTF operates solely through fund raising and donations from individuals and corporations. Anyone can make a donation online or offline.

Others may also help through fund raising activities such as the Angel Adventure Walk which is a fund raising walk. Currently the areas where these walks are held include Denver, Dallas Fort Worth, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Washington DC, Orange County and Phoenix.

NBTF is also open to other fund raising ideas provided by people who wish to sponsor and help.

If a willing person cannot help financially, he can also become an NBTF volunteer. This is the perfect chance to become part of the dedicated teams of men and women who operate NBTF offices, organize activities and touch lives of countless brain tumor patients and survivors.