Launched in 2018, with a break for Covid precautions, the #TumorTakedownTailgate is back for its fourth year to raise money for brain cancer research to fuel new treatments through giving to National Brain Tumor Society. To date, we’ve raised nearly $70k to benefit NBTS, with $22k last year alone. With your support, we can knock on the door of $100k total donated through our local fundraiser in little kown Old Town Greenwood, south of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Read on to see how you can be involved! We’ll cover event details, how you can donate, even if you can’t make it out for the event, and sponsorship opportunities that are still open! Plus tickets are on sale now!

We’re Back! TTT4

In 2016, Adam Hayden (hi, that’s me!) was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma. This is a lethal disease, with near universal recurrence (or regrowth), even after aggressive surgical removal and a full course of chemotherapy and radiation. Despite treatment advances in several other cancer types, the survival statistics for brain cancer are largely unchanged over the past 30 years. Adam’s seven years of survival is without a doubt the exception, not the rule. Often this disease kills in months, not years.

Despite the grim prognosis, breakthrough treatments are truly on the horizon. NBTS is funding research on the cutting edge, like the DNA Damage Response Consortium that is funding a consortium of researchers from Yale Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, the University of Minnesota, and the University of California San Francisco. Your giving to benefit National Brain Tumor Society makes investments in this cutting edge research a reality.

Event Details: April 30, 2023, 2pm – 5pm EST

Hosted again by our friends at Folktale Greenwood, our 21+ event features food from Dashboard Food Truck, beer from local heroes Mashcraft Brewing, donuts from Jack’s, organic wine spritz-in-a-can Ramona, and music from Jay Elliott and Ben Tatum. Also, we have a new shirt design to unveil for TTT4 to mix it up for those who picked up a shirt last year – they sold out! Huge shout out to one of Adam’s best friends for 30 years, Gabe, and the awesome dudes at Stupid Rad Merch for the friend prices for charity. Punk rockers unite! These shirts are only available at the event!

Plus we’re back with another incredible silent auction featuring local artwork, experience packages, a signed Pacers team ball, and more. Lauren Casey, WRTV Indy, returns as our emcee, and between music sets, hear from Adam, his spouse, Whitney, and other members of the brain tumor community who will share their experiences. Check out this great story Lauren did on Adam’s family.

This is an outdoor event in the parking lot outside of Folktale (adjacent to restaurant Revery), and public parking is available across the street. The food truck and picnic tables are arranged in the parking lot, and Tavern at the Tale, the bar at Folktale, will be open. Your $40 ticket includes two drink tickets and voucher for food at Dashboard. Additional tickets and beverages for purchase at Tavern at the Tale are available, but please do be responsible!

We are striving for a cashless event. With QR codes and square readers, plan to have a phone or a card with you for the silent auction and t shirts. Tickets will be available at the door, but to help us plan for the event and to speed up the check-in process, please do purchase tickets in advance if possible!

Important to note, we are keeping the event 21+ again this year. We heard feedback that an all ages event would be great for families, but as parents ourselves, we want to keep safety top of mind. In the future we may consider expanding to a family-friendly event, but this year continues to be 21+.

Donation Opportunity if You Can’t Make it

Adam and Whitney love that we’ve met other families throughout the country impacted by brain tumors, and we know there’s no perfect date that accommodates busy Spring schedules. Many in our social network can’t attend in person, but we have a way to give for those who can’t attend.

Tax deductible donations can be made anytime at our dedicated event donation site! Using this site to donate automatically generates a receipt with NBTS’s 501c3 code for tax deduction. Plus we all get the satisfaction of watching those donations tick up! Telethon vibes, anyone?

For those whose employers offer matches for charitable giving, this is a great way to expand your individual donation. We are happy to help provide any supporting documentation if this is an option at your company. Just let us know!

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Open

Sponsorship opportunities are still open for donors and organizations who would like to support TTT4 beyond individual giving. Benefits include table space for Gold Sponsors, opportunities to speak during the event for Gold and Silver Sponsors, and comp registrations. Check out the tiers and be in touch if you’re interested in sponsoring.

We Can’t Wait to See You!

Grab those tickets and let’s beat last year’s total of $22k during the fourth annual Tumor Takedown Tailgate!! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all event updates and info! See you on the 30th!