Support of NBTS funded research is often provided through direct gifts from committed donors, as indicated in the named funding. View the research associated with each supporter at Current Research. Additional research is also listed in that section that was made possible by all of NBTS's supporters and fundraising events.
2009 NBTS Chairs of Research
- Paul Daniel Bogart Chair of Research
- Steven J. Bryant Chair of Research
- Lionel Chaiken Chair of Research
- Billy Grey Chair of Research
- Benjamin Memmott Chair of Research
- James F. Petersen Chair of Research
- Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research Chair of Research
- BethAnn Telford Chair of Research
- Krista Thompson Chair of Research
- Kayla Wenger Chair of Research
- Seth Harris Feldman Chair of Research
- Justin Friedlander Chair of Research
- Sydney Schlobohm Chair of Research
Paul Daniel Bogart Chair of Research
Paul Bogart was a 36-year-old married father of two when he was first diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in February 2002. Following surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, Paul spent the next year and a half enjoying his young family (and welcoming his third child in July 2002). He was able to work, golf, attend concerts, and bike. Paul's tumor unfortunately returned in November 2003, and after a second surgery he became impaired. Paul passed away on May 12, 2004, 10 days after the Race for Hope - DC, where he was honored.
Friends and family had rallied to Paul's side from day one, honoring the gentle, sweet, and thoughtful man they had always known and loved. In the face of tragedy, friends were comforted by Paul's strength and resolve, and they committed themselves to funding research for a cure.
Matched to Role of mir-10a and mir-10b in regulating the pathology of glioblastoma multiforme
Steven J. Bryant Chair of Research
Steve, known as "Whitey" by many of his friends because of his early gray hair, possessed such qualities as compassion and perseverance. It might have been his devilish grin or his tall slender build that attracted so many people to Steve. It could have just as easily been his empathy for others and his no nonsense way of getting things done. Whatever it was, Steve's bright mind, charismatic charm, and handsome good looks seemed to bring the best out in people. Steve seemed to blaze his own path with an energy and enthusiasm all his own.
In response to the loss of this dynamic young man to a brain tumor at the age of 29, a group of his friends were inspired to turn their grief into something positive. Steve's unbelievable optimism has stirred their efforts since 1996 to the fight against brain cancer and the emptiness it leaves behind.
Matched to Blocking autophagy and increasing ER stress to improve therapy of GBM and Regulation of tumor cell invasion and survival by fibulin-3, a matrix protein uniquely expressed in gliomas
Lionel Chaiken Chair of Research
Grief turned inward can become bitterness; grief turned outward can be channeled toward helping and healing others who are going through similar struggles. Lionel Chaiken has lived by this philosophy since losing his daughter, Pamela Sue, to a brain tumor in September 1995.
Since Pam's death, the Chaikens' mission and passion in life has been raising money and awareness about brain tumors — through support groups, conferences and the annual Race for Hope - DC, which began in 1998. Lionel and his wife, Sandra, were two of the co-founders of this annual 5K walk/run, which has raised millions of dollars in funds and spread an immeasurable amount of awareness about the disease. Their untiring efforts to raise funds for research and to reach out to other families affected by brain tumors have made the Chaikens heroes of the brain tumor community, in Washington DC and far beyond. As Lional always says, "We need to attack the goal with a sense of urgency."
Matched to Novel mechanism of glioblastoma tumorgenesis and therapy
Billy Grey Chair of Research
Billy Grey died of glioblastoma multiforme on July 13, 2001, just before his 13th birthday. His life was one of remarkable strength, courage, and love.
While receiving unsurpassed treatment from the dedicated teams at Duke University Medical Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Billy never lost his passion and spirit for life. Throughout his diagnosis and treatment, that included bi-weekly cross-state journeys for a clinical trial, he continued to attend school at Albany Academy where he excelled in both sports and academics.
The Billy Grey Chair of Research exists to find a cure because the Grey family knows that Billy would want his struggles to have a positive impact on others. Billy's research award is strengthened by the spirit and character in which he lived his life and enriched the lives of those around him.
Benjamin Memmott Chair of Research
Benjamin was diagnosed, at age nine, with an anaplastic astrocytoma. True to character, Benjamin responded to his cancer with strength, determination and a sense of humor. His indomitable spirit has inspired not only his family, but his friends, their parents, his teachers, his clinicians, and a good part of their Arlington, Virginia community.
Throughout seven weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy, Benjamin did not miss a single day of school. He played basketball through the winter and baseball through the spring without missing a practice or game. Just one day after infusions, Benjamin struck out so many batters that the umpire presented him with the game ball.
Benjamin and his sister Abby have walked together in the Race for Hope - DC since 2007. That year, they walked the course together and ran the final stretch to the finish line.
Matched to Inhibition of PI3K and Cdks in glioma
James F. Petersen Chair of Research
James F. Petersen was diagnosed with an inoperable glioblastoma multiforme and died less than three months later, on September 29, 2006. A native of South Chicago and a former Naval officer, Jim founded a software company, Best! Programs, with his brother. The venture grew into a multi-million dollar international business.
Jim felt no need for vast fortunes and committed the majority of his proceeds to good works. All who knew Jim agreed that he motivated people to strive for excellence and inspired others give back to society. After his success in business, Jim devoted himself to his lifelong passion for photography. His images have been used on websites, by non-profit organizations, and in advertising; they are also displayed in businesses, schools, and private homes.
Jim and his wife, Debbie, moved to Wyoming, where he was inspired by the beauty of the Teton Mountains and surrounding terrain. The funding for this Chair of Research is a result of his life's work.
Matched to Role of YKL-40-beta-catenin signaling axis in GBM progression and radioresistance; Regulation of glioblastoma pathogenesis by EGFRvIII – STAT3 signaling; and Mechanisms regulating stem cell behavior in glioma
Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research Chair of Research
Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research (SSBTR) was founded in 2002, shortly after three students from Arizona's Paradise Valley School District were diagnosed with brain tumors. This non-profit is unique as it is organized by students.
As an organization, SSBTR's mission is to provide education and leadership development of youth, furnish a platform for them to play a principal role in effecting positive changes in their communities, and to promote awareness of how common brain tumors are as one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among their peers.
The centerpiece of this student run organization is its annual walk-a–thon, which raises funds for brain tumor research. The dedication the students exhibit and the time they put in is rewarded each year as brain tumor survivors come to the walk-a–thon to share their stories.
Matched to YAP1 as an effector of Sonic hedgehog mitogenic signaling in cerebellar development
BethAnn Telford Chair of Research
Beth was 36 years old when she was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in January 2005. With surgeries and medical assistance at Johns Hopkins, Beth's spirit, determination, and courage continues to amaze and inspire family, friends, and others alike, as she battles her disease.
Always an athlete, Beth struggled to regain her abilities and push her physical boundaries. Through hard work and determination, Beth finished each Marine Corps Marathon since her first surgery and has finished two Lake Placid Ironman triathlon events, which was a lifetime goal for her.
Beth is also a very generous and giving person. In 2009, she testified in support of FDA approval for the drug Avastin during a public hearing on the issue. She is very active in supporting the National Brain Tumor Society through the Race for Hope - DC, as well as working with other organizations helping to raise awareness about this terrible disease and inspire hope in others.
Matched to Targeting radiation resistance in brain tumor stem cells
Krista Thompson Chair of Research
Krista Thompson embodied the spirit of life throughout the 17 years she was here. During her valiant four-year battle with a brain tumor, she wanted only to live her life as if she had no illness. What that meant to Krista was being an honor roll student, earning a varsity letter in swimming, playing the violin in symphonic orchestra, as well as a host of other activities including tennis, field hockey, and snow skiing. During the last summer of her life, Krista worked as a lifeguard insuring the safety of others. Thanks to skilled and caring physicians and staff, as well as new experimental treatments, Krista was able to remain active and in school until two days before her death.
One of the things that stood out the most about Krista was her selflessness. She reached out to so many fighting illnesses, as well as those with ordinary problems. She was close to her family, and her parents would often say they never had to worry about her making a bad decision. For those whose lives Krista touched, her memory will live in their hearts forever, and her story will serve as an inspiration as we continue to fight for the cure.
Matched to ACSVL3-A novel therapeutic target in malignant glioma
Kayla Wenger Chair of Research
The first years of Kayla's life were very much like those of her friends. She danced ballet. She played basketball. She practiced soccer. She hula-hooped and jumped rope endlessly. Kayla's life changed when she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor just after her seventh birthday. Within days of diagnosing her ependymoma, doctors removed the tumor. Surgery was followed by radiation, chemotherapy, and more surgery. The treatments appear to have successfully targeted the tumor. But they also left Kayla with significant physical challenges.
In spite of all the hardships she has faced, Kayla perseveres. She exhibits a rare combination of grace and tenacity that surprises many who meet her. Kayla laughs and enjoys making others laugh. She argues with her brother and sister. She memorizes Hannah Montana songs and sings them at the top of her lungs. She somehow dances without being able to walk. And Kayla remains confident that someday—soon—she will run with her friends at recess.
Kayla is a budding entrepreneur, a fierce negotiator, and an enthusiastic fundraiser. To date she has finished the Race for Hope - DC three times to the boisterous applause of her "Kisses4Kayla" teammates. And Kayla plans to keep crossing finish lines for many years to come.
Matched to Genome-wide profiling of pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Seth Harris Feldman Chair of Research
At 17, Seth loved his parents, Bonnie and Sid, his sister, Jill, playing sports, listening to The Who, and attending Dartmouth College.
During his 3 ½ year battle with glioblastoma multiforme, Seth fought to stay healthy enough to continue to spend time with his friends and achieve academic and athletic success just like other teens his age. He volunteered for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, inspiring those around him.
In December 1988, days before his eighteenth birthday, Seth Feldman lost his courageous battle. Seth's commitment to finding a cure led his parents, Bonnie and the late Sid Feldman, to create the Brain Tumor Society (a legacy organization of the National Brain Tumor Society) in his honor. Seth would be proud to know that his life has helped to improve the survival of so many others diagnosed with brain tumors.
Matched to The Neuro-Oncology Genomics Project
Justin Friedlander Chair of Research
Justin was born October 2, 1996, two weeks earlier than planned. His parents note that from day one he was a fighter, as even his first breaths were challenging and, at six weeks old, he required hernia surgery. Justin has grown to be a very bright boy who struggles with severe learning disabilities; however, he thrives at school because he has such a thirst for knowledge. Break dancing and sports are his passion, and while he may be the smallest player on the field, his competitive spirit and drive allow him to excel.
In March 2009, his family received the devastating news that Justin was diagnosed with a brain tumor, an optic nerve glioma in the chiasm. Justin has vowed to fight this battle, and merely six weeks after his diagnosis, he raised almost $50,000 for the Race for Hope - DC. Justin's mission in life is to help others afflicted with this terrible disease and to support efforts to find a cure.
Matched to Critical role of STAT3 in medulloblastoma immune evasion in geneticallyengineered mice
Sydney Schlobohm Chair of Research
Sydney Schlobohm was eight years old when she was diagnosed with a brain stem glioma in March 2005. She passed away six months later, having fought courageously. Sydney loved life, music, art, soccer, purple, family, and friends. Her best friend was her older sister, Cristina.v
Sydney touched many people with her magnetic personality. She was compassionate, had a good sense of humor, and loved going to school where she enjoyed helping her classmates. In a short time, she became an accomplished artist with one drawing published in the Washington Post. Sydney's courage inspired many around her to help find a cure for brain tumors.
Sydney is remembered in many ways, including The Sydney Schlobohm Chair of Research. Sydney's spirit lives on through research and will lift us to find a cure for brain tumors so that no one has to suffer again.
Matched to Molecular pathogenesis of diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas
