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In the United States alone, approximately 20,000 people will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor this year. Many thousands more around the world will suffer the same fate. A majority of those tumors will be malignant and patients will be told that there is no cure and that the best they can hope for is to prolong the time it takes for the tumor to progress. Quality of life becomes the primary focus while this battle against time rages. Hope for a cure gives many the strength to keep fighting but the cure remains elusive.

The good news is that major scientific advances are resulting in a greater understanding of these tumors and more effective treatments are on the horizon. Every time a researcher proves a hypothesis we get one step closer to a better treatment and a potential cure. Each step takes time, however, and costs money. The U.S. government does not see fit to increase the amount of tax dollars dedicated to this purpose so coming up with additional funding becomes one more challenge that the brain tumor community is left to overcome.

How can I help?

Since my daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March of 2006, many people have asked me, "how can I help?" This website is my answer to that question. There are many great organizations in existence today that raise money for brain tumor research. Links to many of them are listed below. However, since you've found this website you probably know someone who has been affected by a type of tumor called an oligodendroglioma. It is a type of glioma that has no cure but has been shown to be more responsive to treatment than many other types of tumors. My daughter is one of thousands of people living today with one of these tumors alive in their brains. Oligodendrogliomas are relatively rare so very little money is being directed into research specific to treating and curing them. There is one organization that is an exception to this fact.

The Oligo Brain Tumor Fund

This fund has been established by the Bein Family (and supported now by many) at the National Brain Tumor Foudation (NBTF) to raise money to fund and assist research specifically related to oligodendroglioma brain tumors. Each year the fund awards grants to researchers trying to find ways to treat and cure these tumors. It is very easy to donate to the NBTF but directing the money to the Oligo Brain Tumor Fund does require a donor to be specific about designating their donation to the fund. The following is a list of ways in which to accomplish this:

1. Use the "Donate" button on the right side of this page to donate via the Network for Good. Make sure to designate your donation to "The Oligo Fund".
2. Go to the NBTF website's online general donation page; After the registration information, you will get to the Payment screen; near the bottom you will see a box for comments. In that box enter: Donation is for "The Oligo Fund."
3. Call Lauren Hendley directly at 1-800-934-2873. She will take your credit card donation over the phone. Be sure to tell her that it is only for "The Oligo Fund."
4. Mail your donation to Lauren Hendley at the National Brain Tumor Foundation, 22 Battery Street, Suite 612, San Francisco, CA  94111. Be sure to write on your check that your donation is for "The Oligo Fund."

Whether donating your own money or donating funds raised from others, the Oligo Brain Tumor Fund is a great place for those dollars to go. If you'd like to read about where some of the money has gone in the past please check out the past recipients page at the NBTF website.

Raise awareness!

Talk to friends and family and let them know about brain tumors and the need for a cure. Wearing apparel that promotes awareness and support is another great way for bringing attention to this need. Please consider purchasing items from the source listed on this page. Any proceeds from the sale of these items will be donated to the Oligo Brain Tumor Fund and displaying the name of this website will help to bring more people here to donate.

Other Resources:

To learn more about brain tumors or to donate to other brain tumor organizations, please visit the following sites:

The Oligodendroglioma Wiki - If you want to learn more about this type of tumor you'll find this site to be a tremendous resource.

National Brain Tumor Foundaton - A national non-profit serving the general brain tumor community and dedicated to promoting a cure, improving quality of life, and giving hope to the community.

American Brain Tumor Association - A not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to funding brain tumor research in the United States and Canada.

Musella Foundation (VirtualTrials.org) - A tremendous resource for general information about brain tumors with specific information about clinical trials, noteworthy treatments, and healthcare providers.

Brain Tumor Society - This organization, like the others, is dedicated to a cure for brain tumors. It attempts to give the brain tumor community easy access to the resources that exist to inform and improve the quality of life for brain tumor patients.

Brain Tumor Foundation - The foundation offers support and guidance to brain tumor patients and their families. This site offers lists of many support groups and services.

T.H.E. Brain Trust - An organization focused on supporting patients and families affected by brain tumors and related conditions. There is an online support group specifically for people affected by oligodendrogliomas hosted by this site.

National Cancer Institute's Brain Tumor Page - The NCI is part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Their website is a huge source of information for all types of cancer including brain tumors.

The Brain Tumor Awareness Organization - An organization dedicated to learning, advocating, sharing, supporting and raising awareness.