May 8, 2025
Pictured Above (left to right): Meghan Bianco, Director of Corporate and Community Partnerships, Hartford Hospital; Jennifer Pace, CTBTA; Cheryl Italia, CTBTA; Christopher Cusano, CEO, CTBTA; Andrew L. Salner, MD, FACR, FASTRO, Medical Director of the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital and its Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center; Alexis Matthew Demopoulos, MD, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute; Moriah Thibodeau, LCSW, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute; Roger Dunlap, CTBTA; Caitlyn McPhelmy, LPC, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute; and Jessica Joyce, Associate Director of Institutional Giving, Hartford Hospital.
The Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance (CTBTA) continued its steadfast support of Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital and its Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center by awarding a $40,000 grant to fund brain tumor research and patient financial assistance programs.
“The CTBTA is delighted to support Hartford Hospital’s efforts in advancing brain tumor treatments, which we all collectively hope will lead us toward finding the cure, as well as providing support for the patient assistance program for brain tumor patients and their families,” said Christopher Cusano, CEO of Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance. “As survivors, caregivers, friends, and colleagues who have been impacted by this disease, we are here to ensure no one has to face this disease alone and look forward to continuing our efforts with Hartford Hospital to make Connecticut a center of excellence for brain tumor care.”
The flexibility of the CTBTA’s grant provides substantial benefit to both the cancer center and its patients, as the unrestricted funds can be used for any type of expense—including utilities, groceries, household accessibility modifications, medications, childcare, transportation, and other needs. By reducing the negative consequences of financial toxicity, patients are better able to focus on their treatment and healing.
“The Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance has been a valued partner to Hartford Hospital and an incredible advocate and resource for many local patients and caregivers experiencing life-altering changes brought on by this disease,” said Lynn B. Rossini, Vice President of Philanthropy, Hartford Hospital. “Since the start of our partnership, the CTBTA has generously invested $440,000 in our care, research, and patient outreach and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue working with their organization.”
If you, your family, or your organization is interesting in exploring ways to support Hartford Hospital’s mission, visit our Ways to Give webpage or contact a member of our Philanthropy Team.