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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

You don’t want to miss the @theabta.bsky.social conference that brings together patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians and scientist for an entire weekend to learn from and with one another. #btsm

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

We are incredibly grateful for the community we have created - it's time to say goodbye to our regularly scheduled chats. With ❤️, the #BTSM chats co-founder & organizer team @thelizarmy.bsky.social @sabine-nj.bsky.social @mcintose.bsky.social @shawncarey42.bsky.social @stuartselby.bsky.social

The Friends We Made Along the Way:
Sunsetting Brain Tumor Social Media (#BTSM) Online Chats
December 7, 2025
Dear Members of the #BTSM Community,
It is with both gratitude and reflection that today we announce the decision to sunset the regular Brain Tumor Social Media (#BTSM) online chats.
The #BTSM community was founded in May 2012 to foster support, provide education, and advocate for the brain tumor community, and has served as a vital online gathering place for patients, care partners, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy organizations. Through monthly live Twitter chats (and later other online formats), participants could share experiences, ask questions, and discuss topics related to diagnosis, treatment, research, quality of life, survivorship, and end of life. #BTSM has always been a grassroots initiative—created, moderated, and sustained by patients and care partners committed to connection and advocacy.
Rationale for Sunsetting #BTSM Chat
This decision was made after careful consideration of several key factors, and #BTSM advance care planning:
• The social media landscape has changed significantly since #BTSM began, and patterns of engagement have evolved accordingly.
• Many of our dedicated moderators and organizers are transitioning into new professional and personal roles, making it increasingly difficult to sustain the regular chat schedule.
• The needs of the brain tumor community continue to evolve, and the traditional live-chat format no longer fully reflects the ways individuals connect and share information online.
After much discussion, the organizer team determined that this is an appropriate moment to close this chapter of scheduled #BTSM chats, while honoring the extraordinary legacy of community and advocacy they represent.
Gratitude to the #BTSM Community
We extend our deepest appreciation to every person who participated in #BTSM chats over the years. Whether you shared your story, offered support, asked a question, or simply followe…

Recognition of #BTSM Moderators
The power of #BTSM has always come from its people—the patients, care partners, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and friends—those whose dedication to tuning in, whose curiosity to learn, willingness to help, kindness to strangers, and belief in a movement have defined this effort. The real #BTSM are the friends made along the way.
But the success and longevity of #BTSM would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of its organizers and moderators. Their dedication, time, and commitment - often undertaken quietly and without recognition - sustained the community, provided steady guidance throughout its evolution, and has been instrumental in fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants. We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals for their years of service (from - to) and leadership:
• Charlie Blotner, co-founder (2012 - 2020)
• Liz Salmi, co-founder (2012 - 2021)
• Adam Hayden (2017 - 2021)
• Jeremy Pivor (2018 - 2021)
• Sabine Schwab (2018 - present)
• Lisa O’Leary (2018 - 2024)
• Ashley Love Sumrall (2020 - 2022)
• Emily McIntosh (2021- present)
• Shawn Carey (2022 - present)
• Guy Lipof (2023 - 2024)
• Stuart Selby (2024 - present)
Looking Ahead: A Future #BTSM?
While the regularly scheduled chats have concluded, the #BTSM hashtag remains active as a continuing means for connection, resource sharing, and community engagement within the broader brain tumor social media ecosystem. We encourage ongoing use of the hashtag to amplify awareness, share knowledge, promote collaboration, and sustain the relationships #BTSM inspired. Though this marks the end of one era, it also represents an evolution—an opportunity for new forms of connection, advocacy, and dialogue to emerge.
We offer our heartfelt thanks to every individual who has contributed to the success of #BTSM since its inception. Together, we have created a legacy of patient empowerment, advocacy, and community.
No…

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

If you’d like to be added to our Bluesky starter pack, at bsky.app/starter-pack..., please let us know. #BTSM

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#BTSM Starter Pack

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Tonight’s #BTSM chat topics were created by @sabine-nj.bsky.social‬ and @stuartselby.bsky.social. They were reviewed by @mcintose.bsky.social and @shawncarey42.bsky.social

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

We’re glad you could join us for our #BTSM #skychat. If you could not make it: it’s never too late to engage with our community by using the #BTSM hashtag and tagging us throughout the month.

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Repeating Q4: #BTSM In a world that constantly changes: what keeps you motivated to stay engaged in advocacy, even when progress oftentimes feels slow? What advice would you give to others just starting on this advocacy journey?

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Q4: #BTSM In a world that constantly changes: what keeps you motivated to stay engaged in advocacy, even when progress oftentimes feels slow? What advice would you give to others just starting on this advocacy journey?

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Almost time for our final question. Let’s get ready for Q4 in about 2 minutes! #BTSM

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

This is a great point, @sabine-nj.bsky.social! There is a power in sharing our stories and experiences. Each one has a way of bringing us together and driving forward treatment options. #btsm

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Repeating Q3: #BTSM What ideas or approaches do you think could help address these gaps, and how can we, as a community, work together to drive change? What partnerships with other organizations do you suggest for a stronger and more effective impact?

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Great point, @stuartselby.bsky.social! The public and proviate partnerships are making a big impact on making sure #braintumor and #braincancer patients have the treatment options they deserve. #btsm

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Q3: #BTSM What ideas or approaches do you think could help address these gaps, and how can we, as a community, work together to drive change? What partnerships with other organizations do you suggest for a stronger and more effective impact?

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

If you are here tonight to just listen, please post “#BTSM” so we know you’re in the audience. 👋

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Repeating Q2: #BTSM In what area(s) do you see the greatest need for advocacy in the #braintumor community today? In what area do you believe we can make the most meaningful impact?

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Q2: #BTSM In what area(s) do you see the greatest need for advocacy in the #braintumor community today? In what area do you believe we can make the most meaningful impact?

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Repeating Q1: #BTSM What type(s) of patient advocacy have you personally been involved with, and how has your focus evolved over time? Please share with our community what inspires and drives your interest in this space. For non advocates: how have you personally been helped by someone’s advocacy?

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

We are grateful for all your work in this space, @sabine-nj.bsky.social. You have been an incredible force for change for patients! #btsm

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Hi, Sabine! Glad you can be here with us tonight in any way you can. Hope you are enjoying dinner! #btsm

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Q1: #BTSM What type(s) of patient advocacy have you personally been involved with, and how has your focus evolved over time? Please share with our community what inspires and drives your interest in this space. For non advocates: how have you personally been helped by someone’s advocacy efforts?

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Watch this orange #BTSM bubble for today’s questions, labeled Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4. Label your answers with A1, A2, A3 and A4 to make conversation easier to follow! Coming up soon: our first question, wait a moment for Q1.

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Let’s start with introductions! 🔸What’s your name? 🔸Where are you based? 🔸Who are you? 🔸Why are you here? Please indicate what phase of your brain tumor journey you are currently in (eg. newly diagnosed, watch & wait, clinical trial, etc.) Post “#BTSM” if you’re only here to listen. Welcome all!

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Note: We assume all opinions expressed here are your own personal opinions and not those of an employer (unless specified). Dissenting/opposing views are perfectly acceptable. Personal attacks, vulgar language and negative posts directed at an individual are not tolerated. #BTSM

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Tonight’s #BTSM theme is: Brain Tumor Advocacy. Where passion meets progress.

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Shawn is a patient advocate and former caregiver to his late mom. He is passionate about driving change, supporting one another, and making sure to speak up for the community. #BTSM

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Stuart is in his third year of living with Oligodendroglioma, in Toronto, Canada. He is an engagement ambassador with Brain Cancer Canada #BTSM.

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

ALL points of view are welcome here: patients, care partners, clinicians, researchers, advocates. #BTSM

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

🔸 We are a patient-run community, and are not owned by any organization. 🔸 We are a common ground where patients, care partners, clinicians, researchers, & advocates connect to learn, grow, and spur action. 🔸We discuss topics meaningful to people facing & caring for those with a #braintumor. #BTSM

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Hello and welcome to our second Brain Tumor Social Media (#BTSM) live chat on Bluesky! 👋 We’re glad you’re here with us!

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

T-10 minutes until our #BTSM #skychat. We’re getting things set up. Join us and send a skeet when you can over the next hour.

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

T-1 hour until our #BTSM #braintumor Advocacy #skychat! We’re getting excited, are you?

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

Calling all advocates! Don’t forget today’s #braintumor Advocacy #BTSM #skychat is tonight at 4pm PT / 7pm ET. We hope to see you there!

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Who will be joining us this Sunday for our second #BTSM #SkyChat ? #oncosky #oncsky #medsky #AYACSM #cansky 🔹 Sunday, 6/08, 🔹 4 pm PT; 7pm ET 🔹Topic: Brain Tumor Advocacy: Where passion meets progress.

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

We're getting closer to our June 8th #BTSM chat where we'll discuss #braintumor Advocacy. We hope you can join us on Sunday at our new time, one hour earlier, at 4 PM Pacific / 7 PM Eastern! #oncosky #oncsky #medsky #AYACSM #cansky

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

‪@ascocancer.bsky.social‬ ‪@amjohnston.bsky.social‬ @sadlersnaps.bsky.social‬ @sac6225.bsky.social‬ @nicolaslwoods.bsky.social‬ ‪@preopticarea.bsky.social‬

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

@thankscancer.bsky.social @theaacr.bsky.social‬ @thelizarmy.bsky.social @tsarmstrong.bsky.social ‪@yalecancer.bsky.social‬ @katewhy.bsky.social‬ ‪@dtsang.ca‬ @ekdrake.bsky.social‬ ‪@nikkijeanne04.bsky.social‬

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

We're so excited for our June 8, 2025 #BTSM #skychat on #braintumor Advocacy that we've moved our start time ONE HOUR EARLIER to better accommodate schedules. We'll start at 4 PM Pacific / 7 PM Eastern instead of 5pm/8pm. We hope you can join us! #oncosky #oncsky #medsky #AYACSM #cansky

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Brain Tumor Social Media Chat @btsmchat.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

It's a big weekend with #ASCO25 taking place, but we're still getting ready for our June 8, 2025 #BTSM #skychat, and reflecting on 12 years of chats our theme will be #braintumor Advocacy. We hope you can join us! #oncosky #oncsky #medsky #AYACSM #cansky

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