How BTFC was founded:

In June of 1980, Rick and Sheila Sauers' five-month-old daughter Shaye was diagnosed with a highly malignant brain tumor. Offered only a two percent chance of Shaye's long-term survival, Rick and Sheila began a relentless campaign seeking knowledge and treatment to save their child. What they found was devastating: there was very little information available on brain tumors in children and little research being done. The overall message was that most children died from this disease.

Together with several other parents, the Sauers began a local parents' support group to offer comfort and support to each other. Later, in 1983, Rick Sauers, Julia Hartman, and several other parents established the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, Inc., as a 501(c)(3) organization to educate the public and help other families like theirs, with Rick Sauers in role of President.

Rick provided many years of service as a thoroughly dedicated President and later Chairman of the Board until 2006, when family, business and personal matters caused him to reconsider his position. Rick currently serves as Chairman Emeritus in an advisory capacity, and BTFC will forever be grateful to Rick for his wisdom and guidance and his work in establishing the Foundation.

Today:

The Mission Statement of the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children remains the same as in the organization's original charter:

1. To provide emotional and informational support to families of children with brain tumors.
2. To provide public education and awareness of the disease.
3. To raise funds to support research for a cure and for the improvement in the treatment and the quality of life of the victims of pediatric brain tumor disease.

Services include the Butterfly Fund (a financial assistance program for needy families); the Larry Dean Davis Scholarship Fund; parent support group; and more.

Since 1983, BTFC has provided millions of dollars for numerous brain tumor research studies and for the purchase of technologically advanced medical equipment for Emory University, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (a national network of medical institutions specializing in pediatric brain tumor research). Over the years, BTFC has provided nursing scholarships in the study of pediatric oncology as well as funded special positions at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Georgia State University to better serve the pediatric brain tumor population. Additionally, BTFC has provided hands-on assistance and support to children and families of Georgia and beyond, through the provision of financial assistance; informational materials; educational conferences; social outings, activities and holiday get-togethers; and more. Click here to read more about Programs and Services.

More children survive a brain tumor diagnosis than in 1980 when Shaye Sauers was diagnosed and BTFC was founded; however, the need for continued research and support is imperative, as brain tumors are now the leading cause of solid tumor death in children under the age of 20. The Brain Tumor Foundation for Children remains committed to helping other families who struggle with the diagnosis and to continuing its work until such time that a cure is found.