The American Brain Tumor Association was founded in 1973 by the mother of a young brain tumor patient. In the years since, ABTA has earned the distinction within the neuroscience community of being the most complete resource for patient information. Services include information specialists to answer questions about tumors and treatment, social workers to respond to the practical needs of families living with a brain tumor, and regional meetings to bring people together to share their experiences.

The organization also funds significant research through their Fellowship and Grant programs. An extensive awards program encourages young researchers to attend educational meetings to participate in the exchange of information amongst the scientific community.

The American Brain Tumor Association exists to eliminate brain tumors through research and to meet the needs of brain tumor patients and their families.

Since 1973, the ABTA has been a valuable resource for individuals and families living with brain tumors, and has funded a great deal of research about tumors and treatment.