9/19/2011
As a brain tumor survivor, I know first hand that we have all waited too long for a cure. As the Chair of the National Brain Tumor Society’s Board, I know that NBTS is in a more unique position than ever to lead the field to that cure. And that is what we are going to do.
Unprecedented collaboration is taking place in the world of research and promising data is emerging, but significant cuts in federal funding threaten critical research. Meanwhile, resources and support for patients and families that NBTS helped to pioneer are increasingly available from various providers across multiple channels.
What this information tells us is NBTS can best serve the brain tumor community by putting its aggressive pursuit of a cure for brain tumors into overdrive. NBTS will increase its emphasis on research and public policy advocacy aimed at finding new therapies and a cure, and will maintain a robust online patient information center while discontinuing its patient services.
As the largest volunteer-based brain tumor organization in the country, NBTS will continue to empower the brain tumor community to advocate for vital government programs and policies that will result in better treatments and quality of life for those affected by brain tumors. We will also continue to provide helpful and trusted online information and resources for brain tumor patients, families, and caregivers.
Let me assure you that the decision to make these changes was taken very seriously, including a rigorous self-assessment examining our history, accomplishments, and capabilities in the context of the larger, current environment. We have an obligation to step up our leadership role to be a catalyst for the cure first and foremost, while also ensuring that the brain tumor community has a voice on critical issues facing research and patient care. That is what the brain tumor community deserves.
We look forward to the day that there is a cure for brain tumors. We believe that the changes we are making will bring that day sooner.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Kolodin
Chair of the Board of the Directors
National Brain Tumor Society
