Advocates unite to fuel research for Brain Tumor Awareness Month
Communities launch fundraisers to support fight against gliomas and rare tumors
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Advocates across North America are launching a wave of fundraisers and educational campaigns this week as May kicks off Brain Tumor Awareness Month. From high-profile races in the nation’s capital to grassroots social media movements, the goal is to accelerate research for gliomas and other brain cancers.
“Brain Tumor Awareness Month is a dedicated time to raise awareness about brain tumors, their impact, and the importance of research,” The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center states on its website. “The goal is to educate, advocate, and support those affected while advancing research to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”
This Sunday, May 3, the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is hosting its Race For Hope, a 5K walk/run fundraiser held in Washington, D.C. The society is also hosting a range of other fundraisers and events across the country throughout May. These include fundraising walks in New Jersey and southern California on May 9 and a nationwide cycling fundraiser on May 17. The NBTS is also encouraging community members to start their own fundraisers.
Events and fundraising across the borders
Across the border, the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is also hosting fundraising walks over the course of May and into June.
“Brain Tumor Awareness Month brings communities together to raise awareness, support those affected and advance research. By standing united, we can amplify our voices and create meaningful change,” the foundation said on its website. “Throughout the month, individuals, families, health-care professionals and organizations come together to share stories, educate the public and advocate for greater understanding of brain tumors.”
People affected by brain cancer are encouraged to share their stories and spread the word on social media this May. The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) is selling a brain cancer awareness shirt to raise funds and spread awareness, and is also providing graphics and other resources for advocates to share online.
During the next couple of months, days will be dedicated to specific types of brain cancer and to activism events. For example, May 17 is an awareness day dedicated to diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, which, according to the ACCO, remains “one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer.”
May 27 is National Wear Gray Day, when advocates can help raise awareness about brain cancer by wearing a gray item of clothing.
“The brain tumor experience is full of extraordinary challenges and extraordinary hope,” the NBTS states on its website. “The gray area that falls in between is what drives us, unrelentingly, toward our mission of conquering and curing brain tumors, once and for all.”
