Columbia Neurosurgery Runs for Research at the American Brain Tumor Association's Annual 5K at Pier 84

November 13, 2023

Our team was honored to support the American Brain Tumor Association's BT5K, Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K on Sunday, November 12th, at Pier 84 in NYC. This annual event continues to raise funding for brain tumor research and patient services. The ABTA "is the nation's oldest non-profit organization dedicated to brain tumor education, support and research. The ABTA has funded over $34 million in brain tumor research and now reaches a national audience, providing educational and support resources with a current goal of raising $50 million via this fundraising push." (Source ABTA website). The organization continues to serve as one of Columbia Neurosurgery's most vital non-profit partners as we collaborate to innovate patient care and support patients and their families throughout their journeys. 

The event was emceed by Eyewitness News anchor David Novarro, who shared that his father was cared for by Columbia Neurosurgery. Following one of Dr. McKhann’s patients, actress Nicole Schalmo shared her powerful story of survival and optimism, taking a moment to celebrate our program's neurosurgery, neuro-oncology and neurology team who have been with her throughout her journey. Finally, Dr. Brian Gill, who works closely with Dr. Peter Canoll and Dr. Jeffrey Bruce took the stage where he shared how NYC continues to be a global destination for brain tumor research and our team's unwavering commitment to our patients and the many ongoing research projects, including our Translational Research Initiative where our talented team at the Bartoli Brain Tumor Lab are tirelessly working together to lead the new phase of novel drugs and therapeutics for these difficult to treat diseases.

Dr. Brian Gill as a featured speaker at 2023's ABTA 5K in NYC

Columbia Neurosurgery's team hosted the largest of the medical center teams with over twenty members of our program including faculty, lab members and medical students was proud to run for the ABTA. Unfazed by the chilly conditions, the incredible hope and determination was palpable by all attendees who are battling against these diseases in the hopes of bringing a cure and successfully raised almost a quarter of a million dollars for that mission.