The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), founded in 1973, was the first national, non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to brain tumor research and patient-family education and support. Today, ABTA is the recognized resource for comprehensive information and compassionate support for the brain tumor patients, families and caregivers who are living with this disease.

The organization is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

The two founders were mothers of children who died from brain tumors.

Services

The American Brain Tumor Association provides:

• Funding for brain tumor research through a comprehensive program that supports young scientists and medical students, projects that transition laboratory science to actual patient treatment and care, discovery research, and data collection through the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States.
• A comprehensive Web site (www.abta.org) featuring the latest in tumor, treatment and support information and resources for patients and families.
• Compassionate support by a dedicated team of licensed social workers.
• The Connections online support community (http://connections.abta.org).
• The ActNow! patient-family advocacy Web site (http://www.abtaactnow.org)
• The ABTA Kids Web site specifically geared toward child brain tumor patients ABTA Kids
• Regional meetings for patients and survivors

Movie

ABTA produced an award winning children’s DVD/VHS movie titled Alex’s Journey: the story of a child with a brain tumor.