Brain Tumor Action Week is May 1-7, 2010 where advocates from across the country meet and discuss with decision makers the issues that brain tumor patients face. Annually, members of The North American Brain Tumor Coalition, a network of nonprofit organizations in the United States and Canada assemble in Washington, DC and invite brain tumor advocates to join them in meeting with their legislators to share their story, present their “asks” and further the momentum to reduce the impact of brain tumors.

The “asks” are  increased research funding and continue the Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program at the Department of Defense that supports pediatric brain tumor research.

Register for Brain Tumor Action Week in Washington, DC or set up appointments to meet your legislators in their home offices and visit The North American Brain Tumor Coalition website and download the papers to put in your leave behind packet.

Brain Tumor Action Week events at area cancer centers can include setting up an information table, hosting a brain tumor vigil to remember all those affected by brain tumors and encouraging the donation of hats to join the National or State “Hidden Under Our Hats” display. Check back for more information to be posted here and on our website.

The House voted to pass Health Care Reform last evening making it the most historic reform to have taken place in decades. The focus of Congress on how to reform health care and assure Americans an affordable insurance product, especially those that are uninsured, underinsured or that have been denied coverage due to pre-existing exclusions or age (non-dependent children over age 18 but still in school) has been one of commitment.

Read more about this historic legislation at the White House Blog.

This is What Change Looks Like- Video Announcement by President Obama following the House Vote.

Read details of House Vote, Reconciliation Bill and more at The National Patient Advocate Foundation website.