22. Here's an Ally: National Brain Tumor Society ft. Tom Halkin

The Neurological Disorder Podcast

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This week's episode is with Tom Halkin, the Director of Public Affairs at the National Brain Tumor Society—the largest patient advocacy organization in the United States dedicated to curing brain tumors and supporting patients and their families.
In our conversation, Tom sheds light on the harsh reality that, while survival rates for many other cancers have improved in recent years, brain cancer survival rates have remained largely stagnant. We explore the groundbreaking efforts of the National Brain Tumor Society, including their success in nearly doubling federal funding for brain tumor research and their role in launching the first-ever adaptive clinical trial for brain cancer.
We also discuss their innovative initiatives to simplify and share complex brain tumor information, including MyTumorID, allowing patients and families to make informed decisions about their care. Additionally, Tom highlights issues in current healthcare policy for brain tumor treatment and shares how individuals from all backgrounds and communities can help support the BRAIN Act and related policies to raise awareness and increase support for brain tumor research and advocacy. His thorough responses offer valuable insights into the organization's future goals, focusing on legislative advocacy, raising public awareness, and increasing access to brain tumor treatment.

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NBTS Instagram: @natlbraintumorsociety
Helpful Resources:

• https://braintumor.org/
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/brain-tumor