September 21st provided a Day of HOPE, Education, and Awareness for the Northwest Brain Tumor Community. The Chris Elliott Fund/The Elliott Foundation, along with the support of Genentech and Novocure, held their 1st annual Brains Matter Patient and Caregiver Education and Awareness Day Conference at Gilda’s Club, Seattle, WA.

The Guest Speakers for the conference included some of the most notable names in the world of brain tumors/cancer. Dr. Michael Prados, UC San Francisco, Dr. Santosh Kesari, UC San Diego, Dr. Maciej Mrugala, University of Washington, Dr. Russ Geyer, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Nutritionist Jeanne Wallace, Laura Benson of Novocure, Joan Robbins of Tocagen, Brain Tumor/Cancer Survivor Greg Cantwell, and Dellann Elliott and Maria Barrett of The Elliott Foundation.

The full day conference provided a wealth of information on the latest treatment options, support, and clinical trials available for both pediatric and adult brain tumors/cancer.
Participants were able to work in small group settings as well during two 30 minute break-out sessions where the Guest Speakers, as well as The University of Washington’s Brain Tumor Support group and Providence Hospice representatives were available to answer questions and discuss their specialities. Participants had the ability to discuss their own cases with the guest speakers and gain first hand feedback as to treatment options for their brain tumor.

Comments from participants include:
“Really enjoyed the day, Thank you!”,
“This is my first optimistic day since my wife was diagnosed in December of 2010”,
“Thank you for all you do”, “The time I spent with one of the speakers, discussing my father’s own case, has changed the course of his treatment and our approach to the disease”.

Lunch and a one hour social hour were also provided.

Plans are already underway for next year’s 2nd Annual Brains Matter Patient and Caregiver Education and Awareness Day. If you would like to join us for next year’s conference, please email us at [email protected] or call us toll free at 425-444-2215. We can also be reached through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/endbraincancer.

The Chris Elliott Fund/The Elliott Foundation would like to again thank Genentech, Novocure, and Gilda’s Club for their generous support in working with us to provide this day of HOPE for brain tumor patients!