National Brain Tumor Society Statement on Senate Glioblastoma Awareness Day Resolution

National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is proud to announce its endorsement of a bipartisan resolution introduced on May 16, 2019, by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), with the support of Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Martha McSally (R-AZ), to raise public awareness for glioblastoma, a highly aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer that takes thousands of lives every year.

Through this resolution, we will not only raise public awareness about the devastating effects of glioblastoma, but will leverage support for research, treatment development, patients, and their families.

The following is a statement from David F. Arons, JD, Chief Executive Officer of the National Brain Tumor Society, on the introduction of the resolution:

“When Senator John McCain passed away from glioblastoma in August 2018, the National Brain Tumor Society said that if there was to be any upshot to this difficult news, it was that losing another great individual to this disease would be a spark for the country to come together ‘in a concerted effort, with renewed vigor, to pave the road toward a future of more effective treatments and ultimately a cure.’ We asked that this ‘be the moment in our history that we decide to collectively take on glioblastoma and brain tumors with the same earnest with which we dedicate to our other national ills.’

As such, we are exceptionally grateful to Senator Lindsey Graham for his enduring commitment to increasing public understanding surrounding this disease and his leadership in introducing this resolution. Additionally, we thank the original co-sponsors, Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Senators Warren, Sinema, and McSally, for joining Senator Graham to highlight the national need to advance research, build awareness and take action to ultimately cure glioblastoma (GBM), a disease that knows no party, and, indeed, can affect Americans of any age or background.

GBM accounts for nearly half of all brain cancers, impacting approximately 13,000 men, women, and children each year. We are proud to have worked with Senator Graham and on behalf of the thousands of Americans who suffer from GBM – and all brain tumors – nationwide. This resolution will raise much-needed awareness about the toll this disease takes on Americans from all walks of life, and the need for greater resources to be awarded toward research, treatment, and patient support. Our mission is to conquer and cure glioblastoma and all forms of brain tumors once and for all – and this resolution is a significant step toward bringing the country together in support of this cause. We urge the Senate to take swift action on this measure.”

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