[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 91 (Thursday, May 29, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MARIA ELVIRA SALAZAR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 29, 2025

  Ms. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, May is Brain Cancer Awareness month, and 
there are over 450,000 Americans living with primary malignant and non-
malignant brain tumors in the United States. These range from primary 
brain tumors called Gliomas, including Glioblastomas, to secondary 
brain tumors that occur from metastases from other parts of the body.
  Today, I want to recognize the work and efforts of a wonderful 
patient advocacy organization--Voices Against Brain Cancer (VABC). The 
organization is based in South Florida but assists families all over 
our Nation. Founded by Mr. Mario Lichtenstein, VABC was started in 
memory of his son, Gary Lichtenstein. Gary lost his fight with brain 
cancer on October 1, 2003 at the age of 24, just as he was starting his 
career in Chicago. After three months of radiation, Gary slipped into a 
coma from which he did not recover. Soon after his passing, Gary's 
family started Voices Against Brain Cancer Foundation to raise money 
and awareness for the fight against the illness. As its founder so 
bravely states, ``I couldn't save the life of my son, but perhaps I can 
save the life of others''.
  The mission of Voices Against Brain Cancer is to find a cure for 
brain cancer by financing scientific research and increasing awareness 
within the medical community, as well as supporting patients, their 
families, and caregivers afflicted with this devastating disease. 
Through the years, VABC has funded scientific research at over 50 
institutions in the United States and across the globe including Johns 
Hopkins, Cornell, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the University of 
Miami.
  Voices Against Brain Cancer also advocates for increased federal 
funding for brain tumor research at the National Institutes of Health 
and increased public awareness. The cure rate for most brain tumors is 
significantly lower than it is for many other types of cancers, a 
statistic VABC is driven to change. The organization champions specific 
patient-centered programs such as Survivor Reboot Groups, which 
supports brain cancer survivors, and the Caregiver Meet-Up, which 
brings caregivers together, meeting virtually or in person to share 
experiences. It also created the After the Storm Group, which is for 
those who have lost a loved one; the C3 program--Connect, Create, 
Collaborate which includes art, music, and yoga workshops, allowing 
people to collaborate with others going through similar situations; and 
finally Brain Cancer 101, an educational program.
  Voices Against Brain Cancer has turned tragedy into purpose. As we 
close out Brain Cancer Awareness Month, let us remember Gary 
Lichtenstein and salute his family that has worked so hard to find more 
effective treatments and a cure for this terrible disease.

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