Contact:
Jennifer Gutierrez

Missouri State Affiliate

(314)369-2699

House Bill 683 was signed into law on July 1, 2009 by Governor Jay Nixon, allowing the issuance of Brain Tumor Awareness License plates in the state of Missouri. This very important piece of legislation was introduced to the Missouri State Senate by Senator Tom Dempsey earlier this year after being brought to his attention by Jennifer Gutierrez.  Mrs. Gutierrez is a six year brain stem tumor survivor and the Missouri affiliate for The Brain Tumor Awareness Organization.  What began as a dream to provide brain tumor patients needed funding in the state of Missouri has now become a reality for Mrs. Gutierrez who understands firsthand the financial devastation the befalls families faced with a brain tumor diagnosis. The license plates will feature a grey ribbon which is the universal symbol for brain tumor awareness and will read “Brain Tumor Awareness.org” in lieu of “Show Me State.” Funds generated by the purchase of these license plates are dedicated to patient assistance funds for non-medical needs administered by The Brain Tumor Awareness Organization.

The Brain Tumor Awareness Organization is a nonprofit organization based in South Carolina, whose purpose is to raise awareness for brain tumors. The organization was founded in 2006 by Julie Houston after her husband had been diagnosed with a grade 3 brain tumor four years prior. She defined the needs that other families identified upon diagnosis and formed an organization to complement existing brain tumor organizations -all who answer a need in the areas of research, treatment, assistance, advocacy and support. Most of these organizations provide an immense amount of information through their internet sites but the focus of The Brain Tumor Awareness Organization was to streamline these resources in a comprehensive website so that a brain tumor patient or overwhelmed caregiver could access and digest at their own pace, the available programs and information they offer.

 

To produce the plate, the organization is now required to collect 200 names of Missouri residents interested in purchasing a Missouri Brain Tumor Awareness Organization license plate. We are asking anyone interested in purchasing a license plate to register online at www.firstgiving.org/btao. Today is a historical moment for all Brain Tumor Warriors and families of Brain Tumor Angels as Missouri residents have the opportunity to strengthen the voice of those affected by brain tumors.

 

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