1/30/2009
National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), the go-to resource for high-quality, caring support for everyone affected by brain tumors, held its Regional Conference in San Francisco on Saturday, January 24, 2009.
The day-long conference for patients, survivors, and families is part of NBTS’s commitment to identifying and responding compassionately to the needs of the brain tumor community. It also featured the release of NBTS’s groundbreaking survey and report, "Needs Assessment of Brain Tumor Patients, Survivors, and Loved Ones."
The report is just one way in which NBTS is working to gather more accurate information about the entire landscape of brain tumor care.
Through the Regional Conference speakers – medical professionals from area treatment centers, researchers, and brain tumor survivors – attendees learned about the latest treatment options, coping strategies, and more.
Participants were also able to discuss their questions directly with leading experts and connect with other patients and survivors throughout the course of the day and into the early evening reception.
The day concluded with an early evening reception where attendees learned more about the rigorous research and responsive support that stand behind NBTS’s message of hope. Two members of the NBTS Board of Directors shared their personal experiences and program updates. Board Secretary Ann Gordon is a long-term survivor and anticipates the spring release of “Looking Forward,” a resource guide specifically for brain tumor survivors. Board Vice-Chair Ken Grey updated guests about our new research program structures and our goals of influencing the wider scientific community.
The day’s last speaker was Adam Clar, a young-adult survivor who has given back to the brain tumor community by volunteering with NBTS. He has participated in past Brain Tumor Walks in the Bay Area and organizes an annual Brain Tumor Awareness Day with the Oakland A’s.
Our next NBTS Regional Conference is in New York City on April 17, 2009, in partnership with Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
