News Release________________________________________________________________FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Mackenzie Jordan

Public Relations Manager 262-707-5924 jordanmh12@uww.edu

American Brain Tumor Association Invites You to Help Cure Brain Tumors by Joining a BT5K run/walk

Nine Cities, Five Kilometers, One Goal: Eliminating Brain Tumors

Chicago, Ill., Oct. 6, 2015 -- Supporters nationwide of all ages are encouraged to attend a BT5K run/walk to help raise awareness and funds for brain tumor research, treatment, and cures. The American Brain Tumor Association is hosting nine family-friendly events in nine different cities around the United States in October through June.

“The BT5K run/walk is our signature fundraising event that brings communities together to raise vital funds for promising brain tumor research and essential education and support services for patients, caregivers, and their families,” said Elizabeth M. Wilson, MNA, president and CEO, American Brain Tumor Association. With over 11,000 participants and 788 teams currently committed, ABTA expects to fundraise over $900,000.

Every day 500 people are diagnosed with a brain tumor, and with over 120 types of brain tumors out there, ABTA is continually in need of support. By donating to the organization or attending a BT5K run/walk, you will be helping to support their mission; “to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending, and ultimately saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.”

Since there are nearly 700,000 people in the U.S. currently living with a brain tumor, it is important to be aware of the symptoms associated with them. Symptoms of brain tumors often include; headaches, seizures, sensory (touch) and motor (movement control) loss, blood clots, hearing loss, vision loss, fatigue, depression, behavioral and cognitive (thinking) changes, and hormone gland

changes. If you notice multiple symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it is important that you get checked out as soon as possible. For more information and support call 800-866-2282 or visit www.abta.org.

BT5K Run/Walk Locations/Dates/Times

Dallas, TX October 3, 2015 8:00amTwin Cities, MN October 17, 2015 9:00amNew York, NY November 8, 2015 9:00amChicago, IL April 24, 2016 9:00amTampa Bay, FL March 26, 2016 8:00amMilford, MI May 7, 2016 9:00amSpokane, WA May 16, 2016 9:00amColumbus, OH June 4, 2016 9:00amLos Angeles, CA TBA TBA

Brain Tumor Statistics:

Nearly 70,000 new cases of primary brain tumors will be diagnosed this year. More than 4,600 children between the ages of 0-19 will be diagnosed with a brain tumor

this year. Brain and central nervous system tumors are the most common cancers among children

ages 0-19. There are nearly 700,000 people in the U.S. living with a brain tumor. This year, nearly 14,000 people will lose their battle with a brain tumor. There are more than 120 types of brain tumors.

Brain tumors are the:

leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children (males and females) under age 20 second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males ages 20-39 (leukemia is the

first). fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in females ages 20-39.

(Statistics provided by www.abta.org)

To register for a BT5K run/walk event, please visit www.abta.org and click on “Join an Event” on the right-hand side of the webpage!

About ABTA: The mission of the American Brain Tumor Association is to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending, and ultimately saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.

ABTA is the first and only national organization of this type. For more information, please visit www.abta.org or call 800-866-ABTA (2282)