9/29/2009

• NBTS Premieres Inspirational Video
• Dr. Anna Barker, Deputy Director, National Cancer Institute, Accepts Research Excellence Award Along with Dr. Kenneth Kinzler, Professor of Oncology at The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center
• Finding, Funding, and Following Transformative Research – Over $3.5 Million Awarded
• Dedicated Members of the Brain Tumor Community Receive Leadership Awards
• "A Father's Voice" — Eric Wenger shares the story of his 9-year old daughter, Kayla
• Photos of the reception, dinner and awards ceremony

The theme of unity across the brain community was celebrated at the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) Annual Meeting held September 24, 2009 in Washington, DC. NBTS Board of Directors welcomed patients, survivors, families, collaborating organizations, government, industry professionals, researchers, and volunteers to an evening of inspiring hope and taking action.

NBTS Premieres Inspirational Video

An audience of over 200 attendees was treated to a moving visual review of the past, present, and future of NBTS, showcasing the community we serve and our programs of patient services, research, and advocacy. To learn more, we have included the video above (click the arrow below the video to begin).

Dr. Anna Barker, Deputy Director, National Cancer Institute, Accepts Research Excellence Award Along with Dr. Kenneth Kinzler, Professor of Oncology at The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center

Describes Hope for Near Future Projects Dealing with Glioblastomas

NBTS proudly presented its first "Founders Award for Research Excellence" jointly to The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Group, and The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and Duke University Medical Center Group, respectively. The award recognized their ground-breaking work in the major collective advancement in the genomic analysis of gliomas.

"These two groups collectively used complementary approaches in their genomic analyses of glioblastoma and presented an unparalleled, and most comprehensive view to date of the complicated genomic changes that occur in the tumors," said NBTS Executive Director, N. Paul TonThat. "Their work exemplifies the collaboration that is so greatly needed to identify a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by brain tumors."

"My message tonight is that while what we have done with the Cancer Genome Atlas is remarkable; what scientists are going to do with the data is even more remarkable," said Dr. Anna Barker, Deputy Director, National Cancer Institute in acceptance of the award for The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Group (TCGA). Dr. Barker indicated that the work to use these complex data to understand cancer has just begun.  Since TCGA launched its efforts by studying glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the power of this unprecedented data base is attracting scientists from all areas of cancer to study GBM.  “There is little doubt that this momentum will pay off in the next 5 years - both in our level of understanding of GBM - and the associated development of better, more scientifically, robust targeted therapies,” she concluded.

"We are fortunate to be on the verge of the genetic understanding of human cancer," said Dr. Kenneth Kinzler, Professor of Oncology at The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center who accepted the award for The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and Duke University Medical Center Group. "The challenge and the opportunity will be exploiting this information to win the war."

The award, created to honor the organization founders, Bonnie Feldman and Walter Newman, recognizes an exceptional research team whose investigations hold promise for clinical improvements. Presenting the award were Bonnie Feldman and Walter Newman's long-time associate, Sharon Lamb.

Finding, Funding, and Following Transformative Research – Over $3.5 Million Awarded

 
In our ongoing commitment to make the most impact with your research investment in NBTS, we support research that meets the dual criteria of clear potential to lead to clinical trials and shows full promise of moving that area of research forward in new ways, ultimately leading to a cure. Our new grant structure and the formalization of our Pediatric Research Initiative reinforce our ongoing commitment to make the most impact with your research investment in NBTS.

We are indebted to all of our dedicated supporters, from grassroots events to those exceptionally generous donors who have funded Chairs of Research over the years, allowing NBTS to more effectively support vital work in brain tumor research. This year's research grants presented at the annual meeting included awards for over $3.5 million. For a complete list of this years award recipients, as well as Chairs of Research, see our 2009 Research Program booklet.

Dedicated Members of the Brain Tumor Community Receive Leadership Awards

 
This year, the Board of Directors chose to recognize several outstanding contributions by members of the brain tumor community with a new series of Community Leader Awards. These awards included:

The Community Leader Award for a Colleague Organization - Created to honor a colleague organization for exceptional or innovative efforts toward our shared cause in serving the brain tumor community.
The award was presented to Chris Grundner, Executive Director, The Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation in recognition of his efforts with the "Get Your Head In the Game" awareness campaign.

The Community Leader Award for Awareness - Created to honor any individual who has worked positively to raise public awareness of the brain tumor cause.
The award was presented to Nateon Ajello, documentary filmmaker in recognition of his work on "Spinning Southward." To view a trailer from the film visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8UBjEjAsAs.

The Community Leader Award for Programs/Events - Created to honor supporters whose remarkable commitment to the brain tumor community has been demonstrated through their efforts in programs or events.
The award was presented to the organizers of Golf for Hope at Blue Mash in recognition of five years of dedication — raising awareness and over $500,000 in vital funds for the brain tumor cause. Accepting the award for the organizing families were Tom Healy, Mary Hill, and Lisa & Chris Peabody.

Additionally, thanks were delivered to our many exceptionally committed volunteers without whom NBTS simply could not function. Our volunteers help us not only raise funds, hold events, and raise awareness, but they expand our work many-fold. A recent quote from one of our volunteers to motivate her Race team, "Volunteers don't get paid because they're worthless. They don't get paid because they're priceless."

A Father's Voice

 
Kayla Wenger's life changed when she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor just days after her seventh birthday. Eric Wenger spoke from the heart about the perseverance of his 9-year old daughter and how the family's power of hope is a tribute to their daughter's resilience. (video to come)