- Annual Fund Goal: 60%
New Cases of Pediatric Brain Tumors in the US in 2023
Adolescents and Young Adults Living with a Brain Tumor in the US
Online Family Groups and Programs CBTF held in 2023
Number of Families CBTF Helped in 2023
The Difference We Make
COMMUNITY
A pediatric brain or spinal cord tumor impacts the entire family. CBTF builds a community so no family member goes through the journey alone.
PROGRAMS
CBTF is the nation’s leader in family programs for those impacted by brain and spinal cord tumors. CBTF provides unique programs for survivors, caregivers and siblings throughout their journey.
RESOURCES
No family should feel like they are starting from square one. CBTF will link you to the resources you need throughout the entire brain and spinal cord tumor journey.
IMPACT
As founders of the Children’s Brain Tumor Network, we will never give up on working to find a cure and support those living with the impact of a brain or spinal cord tumor diagnosis and its treatment.
Latest News and Articles
Turning Hardship into Hope: Grace Banks’ Inspiring Journey
Grace Banks and her family will be participating in the CBTF Family Walk for the Cure in Long Island, NY, this September. Their personal journey through brain tumor challenges highlights the importance of community support. Learn about their story and how you can get involved to support their efforts.
Spotlight on Jessica Elder: A Beacon of Support for Bereaved Families
Jessica Elder, the Bereavement Program Manager at the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF), has been providing vital support to bereaved families since 2009. With over 20 years of experience in clinical social work, she has been instrumental in expanding CBTF’s bereavement support services. The program offers a range of resources including support groups, educational sessions, and a private Facebook community to help families navigate grief and find comfort. Looking ahead, Jessica plans to further enhance these services and reach more families in need. For more information, contact Jessica at jessica@cbtf.org or visit cbtf.org.
Samantha Mauser: From College Runner to Marathoner & Medical Student
Discover Samantha Mauser’s Inspiring Journey
Follow Samantha Mauser from college runner to dedicated medical student and marathoner in this compelling story of resilience, purpose, and community. Learn how she balances the demands of marathon training with her studies, her motivation for running, and her commitment to raising funds for the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation.
MONTHLY GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Bereaved Parent Group
CBTF offers a private Facebook community for bereaved families. This group offers a safe space where families can share stories, ask questions, make connections, and access educational grief resources. To participate, join our Facebook Group Grieving Parents of Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation. Contact Jessica Elder at jelder@cbtf.org for more information.
Bereaved Parent DIPG/DMG Group
In collaboration with the Marc Jr. Foundation, This group is for bereaved parents and caregivers of children who had a DIPG/DMG diagnosis. Please contact Jessica Elder at jelder@cbtf.org to join or for more information.
CBTF Cooks
This two-class workshop is for survivors and siblings of all ages. Chef Andrew Kovar will teach you how to create a healthy and delicious meal! Participants will receive a gift card for groceries. Contact Kayla at kgiacin@cbtf.org for more information.
College Chat
This group is for survivors preparing to enter or currently attending college. Topics vary from month to month and include organization, social life, accommodations and more. Dates for this workshop vary. Contact Regina at rkarchner@cbtf.org for more information.
Creative Matters Art Workshop
Each month CBTF hosts a fun, interactive, online art program for survivors and siblings of all ages. Participants receive an art kit with supplies for the project in the mail. Contact Kayla at kgiacin@cbtf.org for more information.
DIPG/DMG Parent Group
Receiving a diagnosis of DIPG or DMG is life altering for families who face a challenging diagnosis and treatment plan. CBTF & the Marc Jr. Foundation host a virtual support group for parents whose children have been diagnosed with DIPG or DMG. This one of a kind program is the only DIPG/DMG Parent Group run by a Clinical Social Worker. Find support from other parents on this journey. Contact Regina at rkarchner@cbtf.org for more information.
Fathers of Survivors Group
This group for fathers of brain tumor survivors gives them a place to connect over a shared experience which can be challenging to find during their journey. Dates for this group vary. Contact Stacia at swagner@cbtf.org for more information.
Parents of Teen Survivors Group
The Parents of Teen Survivors Group meets monthly and is for parents and caregivers of teen brain tumor survivors ages 13-18. This group gives parents the opportunity to meet other parents in different stages of the brain tumor journey and share insights, resources and stories. Contact Stacia at swagner@cbtf.org for more information.
Parents of Young Adults Group
The Parents of Young Adult Survivor Group meets monthly and is for parents and caregivers of young adult brain tumor survivors ages 18 and older. It is a non judgmental space to share stories, issues and resources with others who understand. Contact Stacia at swagner@cbtf.org for more information.
Parents of Young Survivors Group
The Parents of Young Survivors Group is for parents and caregivers whose children are 15 and under at all stages of treatment and survivorship. These discussions give parents an opportunity to connect, share resources and stories with others who understand. Contact Regina at rkarchner@cbtf.org for more information.
Read to Dogs Program
CBTF’s Read to Dogs Program is for elementary and middle school age survivors and siblings of all reading abilities. Your child will be paired with a therapy dog and its person and will spend time reading out loud to an attentive, non-judgmental dog. It’s all about gaining confidence and having fun. Email shaferko@gmail.com to attend.
Stepping Forward Young Adult Survivor Chat
This is a monthly groups for young adult survivors (ages 18+). Our goal is to build friendships and provide meaningful tools and information for life during and after high school and beyond, including career advice, advocacy, and support, all while having fun! Contact Stephanie at sfreeman@cbtf.org for more information.
Teen Survivor Chat
Join other teenagers (ages 13-18) to make new friends, have fun, talk about life as a teenager, and share experiences and tips with others who’ve had a brain tumor. Contact Regina at rkarchner@cbtf.org for more information.
Young Adult Survivor Chat
Young Adult Chats is a weekly chat for survivors – run for survivors, by survivors! They include games, topic based discussion, and a great chance to connect with peers. Contact Tom at tha@cbtf.org for more information.
Young Survivor Chat
The Young Survivor Group is for survivors ages 8-15. These monthly discussions give young survivors an opportunity to connect, share resources and stories with others who understand. Contact Regina at rkarchner@cbtf.org for more information.
FEATURED EVENTS
35 Years of Making a Difference
For 35 years, the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation has provided comfort and support to the thousands of children and families it serves. This brief video produced for the Dream & Promise Awards Benefit on April 9, 2024, will give you a glimpse of our critical work. Our heartfelt thanks to our generous donors, Board members, volunteers and the neuro medical community for playing an important part in helping us fulfill our mission. And, a special thank you to our courageous brain tumor families who inspire us each and every day.
The CBTF Walks for the Cure are back. Join us in Long Island (September 7th), New Jersey (September 8th) or Dayton (October 26th) as we come together to raise awareness and celebrate the strength of our community. With each step, we’ll be making strides towards advancing research, supporting families, and ultimately, finding a cure for pediatric brain tumors. Whether you’re walking in honor of a loved one, supporting a friend or family member, or lending your support to a crucial cause, your presence is invaluable. Together, let’s transform the future for children battling brain tumors, one step at a time.
Item of the Month: CBTF Hat
Show your support in style, with a CBTF Hat! Perfect for a stroll in the park, your commute to work, or at the beach! The CBTF hat lets people know that you care! Support the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation today:
CONTACT
