For more than 18 years, our friends at Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2) have been a fixture in the brain tumor community. Their leadership, collaborative spirit, and entrepreneurial approach to research funding has helped advance the field of neuro-oncology, and the legacy of this work will continue to benefit patients and families as we work toward better treatments and ultimately cures for all brain tumors.
NBTS has a been proud partner, collaborator, and ally with ABC2 on a number of critical fronts, none more so than our work together on the annual Race for Hope – DC. Together, we have grown this signature event into the largest brain tumor fundraiser in the country, welcoming upwards of 10,000 members of the community onto the streets of our nation’s capital the first Sunday of Brain Tumor Awareness Month each May. Collectively, and with the inspiring support of thousands of participants over the years, we’ve raised more than $33 million toward our shared mission of eradicating brain tumors. The funds raised have enabled both organizations to fund innovative brain tumor research that has advanced the standard of care, improved understanding of brain tumors, and opened up many new opportunities to advance treatments toward a cure.
Today, we share in the bittersweet recognition that, while we are saddened our friends at ABC2 will begin to wind up their work as a formal nonprofit in this community, we can be grateful for their impact and all they’ve accomplished that has enabled this transition to take place.
Moving forward, with a spot for ABC2 always in our hearts, NBTS will continue to host Race for Hope – DC with the same commitment and support that has always defined this incredibly special event. Our relationship with ABC2’s leadership remains strong, and we are working together to ensure a smooth transition that will ensure the Race for Hope – DC experience remains one of the most powerful events for this community every year. We have the utmost confidence that Race for Hope – DC will continue in the same manner and spirit embraced by the volunteer community over the past two decades.
Race for Hope – DC will benefit the research and programs of NBTS in 2020 and beyond. The two organizations have agreed to ensure the revenue raised will be applied to research and programs in a manner consistent with the entrepreneurial vision of ABC2, and the shared commitment of both ABC2 and NBTS to best-in-class science and service to the community.
We will be forever grateful for the amazing and courageous Race for Hope – DC teams, sponsors, volunteer leaders and friends who have made this event an enduring platform for improving the lives of those affected by brain tumors. We also have tremendous gratitude for our colleagues from the ABC2 staff, Board of Directors, and their dedicated volunteers. We will miss working with you every day.
NBTS remains steadfastly committed to our vision of conquering and curing brain tumors once and for all, and we ask all who are able to continue to fight with us against this disease.