(Today's blog comes from David Arons, Director of Public Policy)

As we head into this week's Summit, I was reflecting on how perfect this year's theme and place are for this event. "Transforming Tomorrow, Today" is a clarion call for us to speak up and take our future as a brain tumor community into our own hands and do it today. And what better place is there to start a big fight against brain tumors than in Philadelphia - the city of Rocky and the city where our founding fathers sat down to declare independence from the British and start a new government. The city of brotherly love is a also a natural because the metro area has incredible supporters of the Race for Hope-Philadelphia who are looking to be over 6,000 strong this Sunday November 6.

So just what can we do to transform tomorrow, today?

1. Let's advocate (www.braintumor.org/takeaction). The federal government is the largest funder of brain tumor research in the U.S. - by a lot. As Congress debates the budget we need to let them know that the brain tumor community is watching and we want them to make sure the National Institutes of Health is fully funded so it can advance research.

2. Let's recruit. Invite a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker to join you at a National Brain Tumor Society event like the Race for Hope-Philadelphia. Check out our events page to find one in your area.

3. Let's educate ourselves and the medical community about all that's available to brain tumor patients including what clinical trials are offered.  See http://www.braintumor.org/patients-family-friends/treatment/ for more information about treatment options. By becoming informed health care consumers, we can push the medical and research establishments to improve treatment and find a cure.

I hope to see you in Philadelphia or at a National Brain Tumor Society event in 2012.  Here's to transforming tomorrow, today. 

(Today's blog comes from David Arons, Director of Public Policy)

Will there be a cure?

When will there be a new treatment for brain tumors?

Critical questions, no doubt, and researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Brain Tumor Society are searching for answers. To find those answers, research funding is a necessary priority and Congress has a big say in how much money is available for the latest research. You also may have heard that Congress’ new Supercommittee is working on a 10-year plan to reduce the federal budget deficit. This master plan, if enacted, will very much impact the future of government-funded biomedical research and funds to ensure that patients have affordable health care. The good news is that cancer research is emerging as one of the few issues where there is bipartisan support. The bad news is that there is a long way to go in the budget process and research funding is always a target.

What can we do?  We can loudly and frequently let elected officials know they should put NIH funding at the top of the priority list. Tell your Representatives and Senators your story and why it matters to your community for Congress to support NIH and brain tumor research. Speak up for all brain tumor patients at  www.braintumor.org/takeaction. It takes just one minute to send a letter to your Members of Congress.

Learn more at www.braintumor.org/advocacy.