Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, Inc.
Invite reviews
Invite friends and colleagues to share their experiences with this nonprofit
November 10, 2012
The Brain Tumor Foundation for Children is a godsend for families of children with brain/spinal cord tumors. Our son was diagnosed at the age of 8 with a large brain tumor. Thankfully the resection surgery was very successful but he endured many post-surgery complications. The BTFC was very helpful in connecting us with other families who were in the same situation, as well as providing information and support to help us through the entire ordeal. I'm happy to report that my son is now 18 years old and is a freshman in college. Life is not without its challenges but the BTFC is still there to help us.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 9, 2012
Evan Carswell, my son, was diagnosed at 15 with a rare aggressive brain cancer he died at 16, with his sweetheart Faith (diagnosed with a brain tumor). They were certainly not their disease however BTFC is definitely part of our families. Here’s partly why.
The financial burden of the disease is monumental for families. It is an easy choice between paying $400 for an electric bill and buying two doses of medicine. (or $30,000 for 60 shots) The medicine came first – Evan’s health came first – and our electricity was cut off. Thanks to BTFC’s wonderful Butterfly Fund, our utilities were restored – not once, but twice. And when I called to get donation envelops for the funeral they asked for Evan’s funeral expenses. It felt too much and I protested… but so grateful again for their donation….
Once the treatment starts you realize that in a few short weeks your child will not feel well. About one month into treatment, Evan gave us a ‘bucket list’ – the things he wanted to do in life. As I read it, I prayed that he didn’t see the disappointment and despair in my face as I realized there was no money for fun…no money for making great memories. Having BTFC pay a $30 water bill may seem insignificant to you, but for our family it provided a night at the movies…a night to make memories. BTFC enables families of children with brain cancer a few moments to devote making life somewhat ’normal’ during a period of time that may be the remainder of their life.
Research is vital and my son felt so strongly he donated his brain tissue and BTFC donates too! It is important to know its not that our son died, but that he lived and lived well - with laughter, love, courage, a little romance and faith….he lived his best. Cancer does not change these children…it reveals them.
We are forever grateful for the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children and those who support them! You would need a whole other nomination for the staff there… we are forever joined by my sons illness and death… Ed and I are proud to be their friend.. The staff are just incredible. I just don‘t see how they do so much.
Any words we could think of really mean nothing. We pray the Holy Spirit will translate those feelings we hold in our hearts … but are unable to verbally express “Evan’s Proud Mom and Dad” Jennifer and Ed Carswell
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 9, 2012
My son William died from a brain tumor at the age of 1. After his death, my husband, a close friend of the family and I reached out to BTFC to see if they wanted to start a walk/run in William's memory to raise money for a cure and to help others. BTFC said YES and we worked closely with them for several years to manage the race and help grow it. While we were involved in the race it was part of our healing process. It was great to do something positive with such a painful event and the folks at BTFC were wonderful to love us and help us through it. We have since moved to Florida and are not involved in the race - however, BTFC is still doing the race each year and it gets better and better every year. I praise God for the folks at BTFC and for all that they do. They are a gift to so many people...
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Unlikely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 9, 2012
My daughter (Tori) was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Dec. 2005 on her 13th birthday. She will turn 20 on Dec. 7, 2012. We have seen many families go thru this durning many BTFC events. When my daughter was diagnosed in 2005 there were 2 to 5 new patients a month diagnosed with brain tumors. Now there are so many more diagnosed due to the awareness of the symptoms given out to many pediatric doctors. The BTFC has helped us in so many ways from pay bills to having family events to go to with our daughter and share our story with other family going thru the same thing. We have helped with fundraiser and volunteer at BTFC events too. My daughter LOVES this foundation and will stay a volunteer the rest of her life.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 9, 2012
My daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was discovered to be medulloblastoma brain cancer at 11 months old. Being a single parent, I had to leave everything, including my other 4 children, to be with my baby and care for her at the hospital. BTFC came into our lives and offered caring, compassion, and support that you rarely find. It wasn't just financial. It was emotional. They weren't just there for my daughter. They were there for my other children as well. They know that cancer affects the entire family. They are concerned about "their" kids. They are special people who go above and beyond for complete strangers. I will forever be thankful for them. They shined a light in the midst of all our darkness. Their purpose and cause couldn't be more perfect!
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 9, 2012
My 18 month old daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor September 2011. It was the most devastating news any parent could ever hear. She underwent a 9 hour surgery and yak fully the sergeon fully resected the tumor. Our family then had to go to Jacksonville for 6 weeks of radation treatment. The brain tumor foundation helped our family tremendously during this time helping us pay for our bills back at home. It was a super easy process and they made everything simple of us...which is a big deal because nothing was simple anymore. I am happy to say that our daughter is doing very well 1 year later. The brain tumor foundation helped is in a way that we couldn't even imagine. To top it off they still send Anabella cards and letters during holidays and her birthday just to say hello and to let us know they are thinking of us! We love the brain tumor foundation, greatest non profit out there!! Xoxo -Spadaro Family
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 9, 2012
Our daughter was suddenly diagnosed with anaplastic ependymoma at 10 months old. Prior to resection she suffered a global brain injury due to hydrocephalus caused by her tumor closing off her third and 4th ventricles. She is now home from the hospital but has a g-tube and feeding pump, trach and suction/humidifier/oxygen condenser, & pulse-ox. The Brain Tumor Foundation for Children's Butterfly Fund is helping us get an emergency power generator so this winter and during other power outages that are common in our area we can keep our daughters equipment up and running and not have to go to the hospital with every outage. We are so grateful to them for this as otherwise we would have great difficulty in paying for one ourselves.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 5, 2012
In 2001 our son was diagnosed with medulla blastoma. BTFC was there to help us with information, presence, and supportive events. After ten years cancer free, David's cancer returned in 2011 - this time he is considered an adult, but BTFC was there because once you are a part of the "family" you are always a part. Once again, support was given in presence and this time financial to help with gas expenditures. Without this help we would have been in a terrible situation (like it wasn't terrible enough). Even though we lost our son this time, BTFC is still supportive in celebrating our "angels" lives. It is a very personal nonprofit that works at getting to know the people they help which, at a time when friends seem to disappear, is probably the greatest support they give.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 5, 2012
In 2006, our daughter Tahjany was diagnosed with a brain tumor and it changed our lives tremendously. The Brain Tumor Foundation for Children were the ones who helped us pull through difficult siutations inside and outside the fight of the cancer. Thanks BTFC for all that you've done for our family. We Love You All! R.I.P. Tahjany, The Duncans.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 5, 2012
When my daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor, BTFC was the first foundation to reach out and offer support. They supported us throughout her journey and still continue to be a source of emotional support since she died. They are a wonderful foundation.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012