BIG TREE MEMORIAL FUND • HONORING ERIK KNAPP
About Us
WHO IS BTMF?
Who is Big Tree Memorial Fund? Big Tree Memorial Fund (BTMF) was established in 2020 to honor Erik “Big Tree” Knapp, who we lost suddenly to glioblastoma brain cancer.
As a Maryland-based 501c3 nonprofit, BTMF provides significant financial assistance for cancer families coping with the unexpected loss of a loved one due to this devastating illness.
We are part of a growing community of glioblastoma support organizations that create a robust network of information, support, and resources for those in need. Our fundraising efforts include the annual fall Big Tree Invitational golf tournament and various other events.
In 2023, BTMF expanded with the Little Oak Project, which offers financial resources and access to tools for families with a child battling cancer. With children at the heart of our mission, BTMF has always been a family-focused organization, and we are grateful to make a larger impact than we ever envisioned.
IN THE NEWS
ANNOUNCEMENTS, VIDEOS & PODCASTS
2025.12.12 - Special Love’s Holiday Party: A Joy-Filled Wrap to a Wonderful Year, celebrating the impact of initiatives like the Little Oak Project which provides crucial financial assistance for cancer families.
2025.12.04 - Big Tree Memorial Fund & Little Oak Project | Good Morning Frederick, highlighting their efforts to offer glioblastoma support and assistance to those in need.
2025.05.01 - Missions That Matter, May: Big Tree Memorial Fund | Good Morning Frederick, focusing on the vital services they provide for families facing cancer challenges.
2025.05.01 - Big Tree Memorial Fund Grows Hope For Families Impacted By Cancer | Stroll Landsdown Magazine, emphasizing their dedication to financial assistance for cancer families and the support of the Little Oak Project.
2024.06.27 - Game on Glio Podcast with co-founder, Lauren Long for BTMF, discussing glioblastoma support and the initiatives that matter most.
2023.12.20 - Big Tree Memorial Fund Joins Lance Kawaguchi, #SouthPoleTrek4Cancer to Ring the Nasdaq Stock Market Closing Bell, a testament to the ongoing advocacy for financial assistance for cancer families.
Behind BTMF
BTMF is a community, but a handful are leading the way...
Operating behind the scenes, the BTMF team includes:
Andrew Benenati - Operations
Lauren Long - Marketing
Eddie Ohanian - Development
Brent Watson - Finance
Additional founders include Ashley Knapp, Dennis Knapp, and Eva Thurston.
