Brain Tumor Network to Begin Pediatric Brain Tumor Navigation Thanks to Dianne T. and Charles E. Rice Family Foundation

Program Update: Brain Tumor Network will begin providing pediatric brain tumor navigation services in summer 2022.

Program Update: Brain Tumor Network will begin providing pediatric brain tumor navigation services in summer 2022.

Beginning in summer 2022, Brain Tumor Network (BTN) will begin providing pediatric brain tumor navigation services thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Dianne T. and Charles E. Rice Family Foundation. BTN has been providing nurse and social work navigation services to brain tumor patients since 2014 but has historically lacked funding to serve children.

“The initiation of our pediatric navigation program will further BTN’s mission to ensure that all families struggling with a child’s brain tumor diagnosis get the help and support they so desperately need,” says BTN president and founder Rick Sontag. “Currently, there is no other organization providing free and unbiased pediatric brain tumor navigation. We have been inundated with requests from families, providers, and other organizations in the brain tumor community to provide these services. The Dianne T. and Charles E. Rice Family Foundation is the catalyst in making this program – which will help thousands of families – a reality.”

Among other services, BTN will assist families in understanding their child’s diagnosis, exploring treatment options, obtaining second opinions, and enrolling in clinical trials. A signature facet of BTN’s pediatric program will also include expanded age-sensitive mental health and psychosocial support – not just for the patient – but for siblings and other family members as well. BTN’s services are provided at no cost to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Additionally, BTN does not receive funding from medical institutions or pharmaceutical companies and does not receive reimbursement or insurance coverage for services, resulting in the ability to provide completely unbiased services.

The two-year grant from the Dianne T. and Charles E. Rice Foundation, which was made in memory of foundation board president Celeste Rice Green’s late husband, John, includes a “challenge” component, wherein the foundation will match all donations to the pediatric program up to $250,000 during the grant period. To date, BTN has already raised $125,000 from individual donors and private foundations. To support BTN’s pediatric program and contribute to the challenge, please click here.