Foundation Takes on New Role as Advocate in Washington, D.C.

The Tug McGraw Foundation took a new step in the fight for a greater quality of life on behalf of those confronted with brain tumors with a recent visit to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

In support of Brain Tumor Action Week 2007, which was recognized from April 26 – May 6, the Foundation traveled to Washington to meet with an assembly of different brain tumor organizations.  This group, working collectively as the North American Brain Tumor Coalition, gathers yearly to advocate for increased research funding and the preservation of programs seeking better treatments for patients and greater accessibility to quality care.

Pictured from left are Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander, Kris Campbell, Jeff McMahon, Foundation President Jennifer Brusstar, and Tennessee Senator Bob Corker.

“We have had a great first trip to the Hill,” said Foundation president Jennifer Brusstar.  “Meeting with those organizations within the Coalition as they offer their experience on how to best share our needs with our legislators has been invaluable.”

Brusstar was happy to have what she termed her “partners in crime” along with her for the journey.  TMF board member Jeff McMahon and board member and three-year survivor Kris Campbell accompanied her on the trip, and she was glad to have them.  “To have Kris there especially, with her amazing and intimate understanding of survivorship and quality of life – it really helps us maintain the focus of our mission.”

The three spent the first day discussing the priorities of the group’s efforts: increased funding for the National Institutes of Health, the preservation of research consortia and brain tumor SPOREs (Specialized Programs of Research Excellence), and the elimination of the two-year waiting period for Medicare approval confronting those awaiting disability benefits.

Foundation board member Kris Campbell shared her passion for our mission at a meeting with Congressman Dennis Moore of her home state of Kansas.

The following day, all three shared a relaxed breakfast with Tennessee State Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker by special invitation, speaking with them briefly about their trip to the Capitol.  Afterwards, we each went their separate ways to meet with their respective legislators (Brusstar/California, McMahon/Tennessee, and Campbell/Kansas) and/or their aides to discuss the above goals regarding brain tumors.

“After meeting both of my State Senators (Alexander and Corker) at breakfast, I later had meetings with each of their aides as well as Congressman Jim Cooper from my district,” said McMahon.  “It was really interesting, learning how to quickly get down to the grit of what we need…what we want…and how these pertain on the state level to [my representatives’] particular constituencies.”

The group reassembled that evening for a celebratory vigil outside on the Capitol grounds organized by Samantha J. Scolamiero, a survivor and director of the Healing Exchange Brain Trust.  The Brain Trust was established as an online network for the exchange of information and encouragement for all those touched by neurological disorders and offers support to people across the world. 

The vigil was a resonating experience of peace and perseverance, combining the solemn recognition of those beyond their journeys with the celebrated inspiration exemplified by the stories of Dr. Samuel Hassenbusch and the songs of singer/songwriter David Bailey.  Both men shined with a sense of humor, spirit, and confidence as they shared their survivorship with the crowd.

After a busy day on Capitol Hill, Jennifer and McMahon showed their support at a gathering for the Healing Exchange Brain Trust.  Pictured from left are Jennifer, Brain Trust Director Samantha Scolamiero, singer/songwriter David Bailey, advocate Julie Hamill, and McMahon.

All in all, it was a terrific week.  “Brain Tumor Action Week was an excellent opportunity to share our mission to improve quality of life for brain tumor patients and their families,” said Campbell.  Asked about possibly returning to Washington, she sat straight up and, without hesitation, got right to the point…

…”you tell me when…and I’m there!”