Our story is personal.
Brain Tumor Network was founded by a family that knows firsthand how hard it is to hear the phrase, “You have a brain tumor.”
Meet Rick and Susan Sontag, President and Founders of Brain Tumor Network.
In 1994, Susan Sontag was diagnosed with a grade 3 astrocytoma. She underwent treatment and survived, but she and her family never forgot the frustration of fighting a disease that is poorly understood by both the medical community and the general public. The family chose to make a difference.
In 2002, Susan and her husband, Rick, established The Sontag Foundation to help support the fight against brain tumors. The Sontag Foundation is now one of the largest private funders in brain cancer research. After a need for direct patient assistance was realized, Brain Tumor Network was launched in 2014.
“If I ever get a chance to do something about this disease, I’m going to do it.“
Rick Sontag
The Sontag Foundation developed a network of relationships with healthcare providers throughout the United States who specialize in brain tumor treatment. This cadre of experts serves as the foundation of Brain Tumor Network. Our network continues to develop as the field continues to grow. Neuro-oncology nurses and social workers tap into these ever-expanding connections to provide personalized information and navigation at no cost to individuals with brain tumors or their caregivers.
Experts in neuro-oncology volunteer their time to Brain Tumor Network as advisors, offering technical support and valuable brain tumor treatment information. This network enables our organization to give patients across the U.S. the opportunity to discover potential treatment options to discuss with their own physicians.
Brain Tumor Network receives no funding from, and is not connected in any way to, any pharmaceutical companies or medical centers. Our services are unbiased and are designed to serve the interests of patients and their families.
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed and want more brain tumor treatment information or are ready to explore your options, contact us today.
In loving memory of Susan T. Sontag April 10, 1943 – September 10, 2022.
Learn more about the history of Brain Tumor Network in this 2020 Harvard Business School profile on alumnus Rick Sontag