Organization Backgrounder

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Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is the only national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to reaching every Canadian affected by a brain tumour through support, education, information and research. Thousands of people affected by brain tumours find emotional support and comfort through Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, while gaining a better understanding and knowledge of their disease. There are an estimated 55,000 currently living with a brain tumour with an additional 10,000 newly diagnosed each year.

Specific initiatives include:

• Free Brain Tumour Patient Handbooks with versions focused on adult patients, pediatric patients and those diagnosed with a non-malignant brain tumour
   
• National network of support groups in seven provinces for adults affected by a brain tumour and their caregivers
   
• BrainWAVE Family Support Program for families with children and teens affected by a brain tumour in Southern Ontario and Lower Mainland British Columbia
   
• Information Day Conferences in nine cities, the events are focused on the latest developments in brain tumour research and treatments as well as quality of life issues.
   
• One-to-one support and information available through our national, toll free 1-800 line (1-800-265-5106)
   
• Message Board and Chat Room at www.braintumour.ca
   
• Funding Canadian research projects into the causes and treatments of brain tumours through annual grants and two research fellowships; to date more than $3 million has been directed to brain tumour research with these programs
   
• Sole funder of the Brain Tumour Tissue Bank, providing brain tumour tissue samples to Canadian and international researchers
   
• Founding member of North American Brain Tumour Funders’ Collaborative which funded three $2 million dollar research grants in 2006, and 11 grants totalling $1.1 million in 2010.

Our History

2012 marks Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s 30th year in operation. The organization was established in London in 1982 by Steve Northey, who lost his eight-year-old daughter Kelly to a brain tumour, Dr. Rolando Del Maestro, a neurosurgeon, and Pamela Del Maestro, a neuroscience nurse, to help find the cause and cure while improving the quality of life of those affected. Since the early days of the organization, it has been our vision to find the cause of and cure for brain tumours while improving the quality of life for those affected. Today, it’s this purpose that continues to resonate and motivate thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters as we look to the future and a cure for this disease. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is a founding member and an active participant of the Canadian Alliance of Brain Tumour Organizations (CABTO) and International Brain Tumor Alliance (IBTA). These organizations focus on raising awareness of brain tumours, advocating for positive change, and supporting brain tumour research. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is funded solely through generous contributions from individuals, corporations, organizations, employee groups and special events.

 

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For more information, contact:

Megan Winkler, Marketing and Communications Specialist

Tel: 1-800-265-5106 or (519) 642-7755 ext 232
mwinkler@braintumour.ca