I’ve talked a lot about the value of support groups and the impact that friends can have on your recovery along the way, but what I have yet to do, until now, is to provide some insight on my new group of friends and support – the people that make up the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance (CTBTA).As some background, the CTBTA was founded in 2006 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  The organization has raised over $1.5 million for brain tumor research, “Patient Assistance Funds” for families in financial need and specialized medical equipment for improvement treatments.

As a non-profit organization, the CTBTA is dedicated to offering support and compassion to those affected by brain tumors.  Each member of the Board has a very personal connection to brain tumors as we are all survivors or caregivers.  As a group, our mission is to “to raise awareness of brain tumors, provide hope and support for others affected by brain tumors and raise money to support and advocate for cutting-edge research for better treatments and a cure.

Proudly, I am one of 13 Board members and together we collaborate to better the lives of those afflicted with a brain tumor.  As the new guy in the organization, I cannot profess that I know everything there is to know, but I have witnessed the dedication of every board member in their efforts to hold events designed to promote awareness and raise funds to research the cure.  And as a non-profit, we work to raise money and donate proceeds raised during  our events in support of various organizations with one goal in mind – to find the cure.  The CTBTA has proudly supported various entities including the Yale Brain Tumor Center, Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Voices Against Brain Cancer and Weill Cornell Medical College.  What an honor to be a part of something so rewarding.

Though the diagnosis of a brain tumor or brain cancer is certainly scary, as an organization, we certainly know how to make it fun.  Throughout the course of the year, the CTBTA holds numerous events including a golf tournament, a trivia challenge, the Path of Hope (a 5K walk held at Hammonassett Beach State Park), Laughter on the Brain and the Wines of March to be held on March 14th from 7:00-10:00pm at the Mark Twain House.  The link includes all the details that you need to know, but to wet your appetite, Cassidy Hill Vineyard of Coventry is providing the wine and Shebeen Brewing Company of Wolcott is providing the beer!

We do so many great things, but what makes the CTBTA stand out in the world of non-profits is our personal connection to the cause and commitment to bettering the lives of those in need.

You can learn more about our organization at http://www.ctbta.org/.