When families are dealing with a brain tumor diagnosis, they often don’t know where to turn for reliable information. The Brain Tumor Network (BTN) is a navigation resource for adult patients and caregivers in the United States seeking information about brain tumor treatment options including clinical trials. This unbiased resource is provided at no cost to patients, caregivers, or healthcare professionals.
In early 2020, BTN had planned a capital campaign to raise money to expand its service footprint, revamp its website and place additional trained oncology nurses on payroll. The COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold indefinitely and BTN needed stopgap funding to continue providing services to patients and families.
After receiving its first round PPP funding from a bank, BTN approached CRF for second draw PPP funds in February 2021 after a lengthy delay from the bank that provided the initial PPP loan. The high-touch process CRF offered was a welcome relief to BTN.
Using a fluid, intuitive application process, BTN applied for a loan Feb. 17 and received his funds within two weeks of first contacting CRF. This was welcome news for an organization that relied on its staff to deliver services to families dealing with the uncertainty and shock of a brain cancer diagnosis.
The organization’s PPP loan will retain 14 full time jobs with no net loss in personnel. BTN is also establishing more connections with hospitals and clinics to expand its reach and bring its services of comfort, care and understanding to even more patients and their families.
