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Community Corner

National Brain Tumor Society Hosts Inaugural Event In North Carolina

Charlotte Race/Walk Supports Brain Tumor Community and Raises Funds for Vital Research Aimed at Finding a Cure

Charlotte, N.C. – Feb. 4, 2014 – National Brain Tumor Society, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the brain tumor community in the United States, announced today its inaugural event on March 22, 2014 at Freedom Park in Charlotte, N.C. Fiercely committed to finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for people living with a brain tumor, the National Brain Tumor Society’s Charlotte Brain Tumor Race aims at creating a community of brain tumor survivors, patients, family members, caregivers, and friends for an inspiring, family-friendly day. Participants can choose to run (5K or 10K course) or walk (5K course), and get involved by creating a new team, joining an existing team, or as individuals. Those interested in participating are invited to visit www.braintumorrace.org/charlotte to register, volunteer or become an event sponsor. All proceeds from the event will go toward funding critical brain tumor research and raising awareness of this devastating disease.

 

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Nearly 700,000 people in the United States are living with a primary brain tumor. Experts estimate 69,000 more will be diagnosed this year, with more than 4,000 being children. A serious, life-threatening illness, brain tumors don’t discriminate and can affect anyone regardless of race, age, or gender. Brain tumors are often deadly, impact the quality of life, and change everything for patients and their loved ones. With only four (4) FDA-approved treatments, options for patients are limited and advancements toward new therapies are underfunded. Today no cure exists.

 

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“Only one out of three adults diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor today will be alive in five years. More so than any other cancer, brain tumors can have life-altering psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and physical effects. And yet, despite these facts, brain tumor research remains grossly underfunded,” said N. Paul TonThat, chief executive officer of the National Brain Tumor Society. “We’re honored to host the brain tumor community in North Carolina and continue to increase national awareness of the community’s diverse needs. Every dollar pledged allows us to continue funding vital research to accelerate the discovery of new scientific breakthroughs and the availability of more treatments for this disease. This community needs more now, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to accelerate progress.”

 

Sponsored by Carolinas HealthCare System and Piedmont Natural Gas, the National Brain Tumor Society hopes to raise $125,000 during its Charlotte event. All event teams are led by a (team) captain who is close to the cause. Friendly competition is encouraged when it comes to fundraising and winning teams and top participants are recognized after the event.

 

National Brain Tumor Society is the only brain tumor organization to fully integrate research and public policy initiatives; partner with leading experts in academia, industry, and government to understand current challenges; and identify opportunities for scientific advancement and collaboration. Additionally, as part of its work to find a cure, the National Brain Tumor Society mobilizes volunteer advocates across the country to raise awareness and support for public policies which aim to strengthen research and provide access to essential health care for all those affected by brain tumors.

 

Individuals looking to support the brain tumor cause and help increase awareness beyond this event can take action by becoming an advocate, making a gift, hosting a community event, or sharing their personal experiences. Learn more at www.braintumor.org/takeaction.

 

To register, volunteer or become a sponsor of the Charlotte Brain Tumor Race, visit www.braintumorrace.org/charlotte.

 

About National Brain Tumor Society

National Brain Tumor Society is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the brain tumor community in the United States. We are fiercely committed to finding better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for people living with a brain tumor today and those who will be diagnosed tomorrow. This means aggressively driving strategic research and advocating for public policies, which meet the critical needs of the brain tumor community. To learn more, visit www.braintumor.org.

 

 

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