T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST is an acronym!

T-he
H-ealing
E-xchange is

B-uilding
R-esource
A-nd
I-nformation
N-etworks

T-hrough
R-espectful
U-nderstanding of the human
S-pirit and
T-echnology

The Healing Exchange BRAIN TRUST, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable and education purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST Mission

The mission of The Healing Exchange BRAIN TRUST, Inc. is to provide, promote, and improve interdisciplinary communication opportunities and online applications/tools for people who are personally affected by or who professionally treat or study localized neurological disorders and subsequent or related health care concerns.

Note: The organization will initially focus on intracranial tumors and space occupying lesions, and will progress to address other localized neurological conditions such as acquired brain injury, hydrocephalus, dystonia etc. as soon as feasible.

T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST Vision

The vision of T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST is threefold:

1. The communication vehicles created , supported, offered or endorsed by T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST are intended to enable , encourage and empower local and international exchange among Survivors, their families and supporters, health professionals and researchers.

2. The group experience will become a new type of health resource -- a collected wisdom -- which should be conveyed to the broader health care community and the public in order to foster acceptance, understanding and aid for persons coping with neurological abnormalities and to increase public awareness of and to further develop innovative resources for anyone needing them.

3. T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST seeks to emphasize how health care and the human spirit unite towards achieving healing and well being. We seek to recognize participants in the health care process as patients/survivors/families/consumers and providers/professionals/caregivers but most importantly seek to unite these groups by embracing the humanity of all.

HISTORY

Samantha Scolamiero, a brain tumor survivor, founded the BRAINTMR mailing list in May 1993. Dedicated volunteer list maintainers and participants have helped BRAINTMR to grow considerably over the years. The forum has had an impact on thousands of people both online and off. In 1996 her BRAINTMR work was recognized with a Distinguished Achievement Award featured in Dr. Tom Ferguson's book _Health Online_.

The BRAINTMR volunteers received no institutional funding, and managed and promoted the service independently. The many expenses associated with operating and promoting the forum were absorbed by volunteers some of whom are disabled with low incomes.

In order to expand on the idea of the BRAINTMR mailing list, make use of new technology, and cover new topics plus take the burden off individuals and be able to accept donations and secure funding sources for the much needed improvements, The Healing Exchange BRAIN TRUST, Inc. was incorporated in Boston, Massachusetts on March 4th, 1997 with the following directors:

One month later on April 5th, a birthday party to celebrate the beginning of T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST was held at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Over 85 people attended from 4 New England states.

STRATEGIC PLAN

T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST strategic plan is under development. Some programs we are considering:

WISH LIST

T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST is still a baby! We need your support.

We are seeking grants to help with start up costs. If you have a suggestion or lead please contact us.

Donations small or large (yes, we'll take your two cents!) are welcome.

Other Needs include:

THANK YOU for reading about THE BRAIN TRUST. We can make progress *together*! ONWARD...