By Steve Grant
Even though it has a strong base in the Farmington Valley, maybe you haven’t heard of the Connecticut Chapter of the Brain Tumor Alliance.
But, year by year, it makes a big difference, helping individuals and families, funding research and services at major Connecticut hospitals like Hartford Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, the UConn Medical Center, and Yale-New Haven Hospital.
It just last month wrapped up its first 10 years with its “Gala of Hope” fundraising event at The Society Room in Hartford. So established is the organization that it donates close to $100,000 a year to support patient and caregiver programs, and research and specialized equipment for the treatment of brain tumors.
On the committee for that event was Maureen Coffin of Essex Court in Devonwood, who became involved because a dear friend, Jennifer Pace of Simsbury, an Alliance board member, suffered a brain tumor in 2006 and with quick medical help survived.
At the time she was diagnosed, Pace was a young wife and mother of two small children. “It was traumatic for all of us,” Coffin said.
Pace is “a good example of how if it is caught early enough you can survive it,” Coffin says.
She sees the Alliance as hugely important “not only in raising awareness, but raising crucial funds for research.” Coffin’s work on the fundraiser included securing donations from the business community.
Next up for the alliance is another major fund-raiser, this one in October in Mystic, the Path of Hope Walk, in which teams raise money for the cause and walk through a route in Olde Mistick Village.
“A lot of what we do is really community outreach and support of brain tumor patients,” Pace said. “We are connected with families all over the state.”
Detailed information on the organization and its work can be found at CTBTA.org.
This article appeared in the June 2017 edition of Neighborhood Living Magazine. If you would like to share a story of volunteerism or someone “Making a Difference in the community please email kevin.hayes@n2pub.com.
