Building on a record-setting 2025 fundraising year, the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance (CTBTA) announced it is awarding $255,000 in grants in 2026, including $240,000 to the five Connecticut hospitals where brain tumor surgery and comprehensive patient support services are provided, and $15,000 to the Healing Meals Community Project to support a dedicated fund benefiting brain tumor patients and their families.
This year’s allocation marks the largest total distribution in CTBTA history, exceeding the previous high by $50,000, and reflects the remarkable generosity of CTBTA donors, sponsors, event participants, and community partners. Grant distributions will continue throughout the summer.
2026 CTBTA Grant Awards include:
· Yale-New Haven Health/Smilow Cancer Hospital — $120,000
· Connecticut Children’s Medical Center — $55,000
· Hartford HealthCare — $35,000
· Saint Francis Hospital — $25,000
· UConn Health — $5,000
· Healing Meals Community Project — $15,000
Since beginning its hospital support and research funding efforts in 2008, CTBTA has donated over $2.2 million to advance brain tumor research, enhance patient care, and provide direct assistance to individuals and families impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.
“These awards are the direct result of an incredible year of community support,” said Chris Cusano, CEO of the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance. “Thanks to our donors, sponsors and supporters, we are proud to make our largest allocation, to date. This support allows us to continue providing Patient Assistance Funds that help families manage everyday expenses like rent, mortgages, utilities, and household bills during treatment and recovery.”
Cusano added that the 2026 awards will also advance innovative research initiatives, including projects at Yale School of Medicine, Hartford HealthCare and UConn Health, as well aid brain tumor center support.
“Additionally, we are honored to continue our partnership with the Healing Meals Community Project through the Tracey Gamer-Fanning CTBTA Healing Meals Patient Assistance Fund,” Cusano said. “From February-December 2025, this grant has helped to provide over 240 meals for brain tumor patients and their families, so it is an honor to know we are fulfilling Tracey’s legacy and love for food and helping others in their time of need.”
CTBTA’s 2026 grant awards underscore its mission to ensure that no Connecticut brain tumor patient or family faces their journey alone, while strengthening the state’s clinical, research, and community-based support systems.