Media Kit: Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Catherine Whitlock. Purdue University

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1 Media Kit: Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Catherine Whitlock Purdue University

2 Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Announces Fall Signature Events ASHEVILLE, N.C., Sept. 1, 2016 Today the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) announced seven locations that will host its Starry Night 8.5K signature fundraising event this fall: Houston: Saturday, September 17 Chicago: Sunday, September 18 Philadelphia: Saturday, September 24 Boston: Saturday, October 1 San Francisco: Saturday, October 8 Atlanta: Saturday, November 5 Los Angeles: Saturday, November 5 The Starry Night 8.5K is a walk/run fundraising event that takes place in the evening, shining a light on childhood brain tumors one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer. When we created this event just two years ago, we knew we wanted it to honor the fighting spirit we see in the 28,000 children in the U.S. who are battling brain tumors, said Robin Boettcher, President and CEO of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. That s why each step of the 28,000-foot course represents a child in our country living with a brain tumor. In addition to the walk/run, each event will feature a 50-yard dash for kids, food and entertainment for the whole family. The event s end is marked by a lantern-lighting ceremony to lift hearts and hope for a cure. For more information or to register for the Starry Night 8.5K near you, visit About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Founded in 1991, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) seeks to find the cause and cure of brain tumors in children by supporting medical research, increasing public awareness of the disease and aiding in early detection and treatment of childhood brain tumors. As the world's largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research, we're dedicated to not only eradicating this disease, but to providing support to families. We provide educational and emotional support for children and families affected by this life-threatening disease. CONTACT: Cathy Whitlock, Director of Communications, (305) , cwhitlock@curethekids.org ###

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4 Our Mission The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation works to eliminate the challenges of childhood brain tumors. As the world s largest nonprofit source of funding for pediatric brain tumor research, our mission is to cure the kids. Our Goals Fund research to find the cause of and cure for pediatric brain tumors Increase public awareness about the severity and prevalence of one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer Aid in the early detection and treatment of this disease Provide educational and emotional support for patients and families What We Fund Basic, translational and clinical approaches to pediatric brain tumor research Early career development grants Educational materials for families affected by pediatric brain tumors Family support programs Scholarships for pediatric brain tumor survivors Key Facts Since 1991, we have invested more than $28 million in research Our research has paved the way for more focused efforts to understand the cellular and molecular biology of childhood brain tumors, opening new avenues for the discovery of new diagnostic and treatment approaches $125,000 in college scholarships awarded to over 100 brain tumor survivors annually 80.1% of the funds we raise are invested in research and family support programs

5 Frequently Asked Questions How many children are affected by brain tumors? Pediatric brain tumors are very rare. About 4,600 children are diagnosed each year in the United States. Most of the children diagnosed (72%) are under the age of 15. What causes children to get brain tumors? No one knows the cause of most brain tumors. Some may be caused by genetics, though this is unusual. Scientists suspect environmental toxins may play a role but research is still underway. How many children are affected by brain tumors? Pediatric brain tumors are very rare. About 4,600 children are diagnosed each year in the United States. Most of the children diagnosed (72%) are under the age of 15. Are pediatric brain tumors always fatal? No; survival rates for many childhood brain tumors have improved over the past 30 years. However, more children die from brain tumors than any other form of cancer. Are brain tumors different in children and adults? Yes. This is why children s brain tumors require specific research and different treatments. Research focusing specifically on pediatric brain tumors is crucial to saving children s lives and improving survivors quality of life. How are brain tumors treated in children? Different types of tumors respond to different types of treatments. Possible treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. We encourage parents of children with brain tumor diagnoses to seek out a second opinion before beginning treatment. What are the possible side effects of brain tumor treatments? Pediatric brain tumor survivors often suffer lifelong side effects from their treatments, including physical, learning and emotional challenges that limit their quality of life into adulthood. How does the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation help children with brain tumors? The diagnosis of a brain tumor impacts the entire family. In addition to funding groundbreaking research to cure pediatric brain tumor patients, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation runs programs to educate patients and families through distributing free materials, awards college scholarships to brain tumor survivors, and provides family support services.

6 Leadership Robin Boettcher, President and CEO With 30 years of experience in health nonprofit management and communications, Robin Boettcher is charged with leading the world s largest non-government funder of children s brain tumor research and significantly increasing support for the 28,000 affected patients and their families. Prior to joining the PBTF in 2012, Robin served as vice president of chapter and community partnerships for the National Parkinson Foundation in Miami. Her accomplishments included establishing a new Chapter Services Department and launching NPF s first national signature fundraiser, a walk for Parkinson s disease. Robin also previously served as a national field director and executive director for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and as president of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society s Eastern North Carolina Chapter. She brings experience in all areas of nonprofit management, from finance and operations to fundraising and staff and board development. Before beginning her nonprofit career, Robin worked in the media and public relations, including more than a decade as an Associated Press reporter. A native of Hamilton, Ohio, Robin holds a journalism degree from Eastern Kentucky University. Senior Staff Don Golden, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Joanne Salcido, PhD, Vice President of Research and Family Support Mary Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing & Communications Tiffany Drummond Armstrong, Vice President of Campaign Development Melissa Hudson-Gant, National Director, Philanthropy & Chapter Development Board of Directors Rosemary Gullikson Bittorf Bob Henig Chris Hoefflin Larry Little Jack McGinnis Susie Rossick Jill Scognamiglio Anne Sutton Wayne Toyota Kurt Yndestad Brady Young Executive Officers Larry Little, Chair Robin Boettcher, President Jack McGinnis, Treasurer Don Goden, Secretary Anne Sutton, Assistant Secretary