Mission: Our mission is to raise awareness about brain tumors, raise funds for much needed research, and to provide hope and support for others living with brain tumors in Connecticut.
Background: The Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance is made up of nine individuals whose lives were changed forever by the five words, “You have a brain tumor.” In an effort to ensure that no other family hears those words, we have come together as a group, dedicated to the fight against brain tumors. We are committed to assisting other families in Connecticut who are going through the same trauma that we experienced, and the life-altering changes with which we currently live. To that end, we established as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization in 2007.
Public research funds are distributed based on the incidence of a given disease. Because brain cancer causes just 2 percent of all cancer deaths each year, it is officially classified as an “orphan disease” — a term that sums up its place in the eyes of federal funding agents.
Corporate sources are also limited. There are more than 120 identified types of brain malignancies, each with a different chemical profile and behaviors. Developing an effective new drug comes at a very high price. The market for such narrowly targeted drugs is simply too small for pharmaceutical companies to make big investments in clinical investigation.
In short, private donations allow brain tumor centers to perform research and develop new treatments that otherwise simply would never happen.
Major Fundraiser: Annual Golf Tournament at the Tumblebrook Country Club in Bloomfield on Oct. 5.
Volunteer needs: We need volunteers for fundraising activities, including our golf tournament and community events.
Board of Directors:
Tracey Gamer-Fanning, president;
Andy Pace, vice president;
Ron Mairano, treasurer;
Kim Hodnett , secretary;
Jennifer Pace, director;
David Lemkuil, director;
Stacey Mairano, director;
Terry Gamer, director;
Susan Lemkuil, director.
Contact Information:
Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance
P.O. Box 370514,
West Hartford, CT 06137
Fax: (860) 683-4453
E-mail: info@ctbta.org
Web site: www.ctbta.org
Tracey Gamer-Fanning is president of the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance.
