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Stories of Strength
Starting October 1, 2012, we will celebrate the strength of every Canadian affected by a brain tumour. Every day, 27 Canadians are diagnosed with the disease and every day this month, you will find stories from survivors of all types of brain tumours, of all ages and from all regions of Canada. You will find out about the many ways survivors and families gain strength on the journey. Finally, you will learn about how things are changing and how you can help make a difference.
Sign up for the Brain Tumour Awareness Month email list today to receive each day's story of strength.
Stories of Strength
October 1, 2012: 
Sara's Story of Strength
Sara was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was three years old. Sara, her mother Gillian, sister Alice and father Matthew share their story of strength for Brain Tumour Awareness Month in this six minute video.
Sara's Story of Strength Sara was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was three years old. Sara, her mother Gillian, sister Alice and father Matthew share their story of strength for Brain Tumour Awareness Month in this six minute video.
October 2, 2012: Tiffany's Story of Strength
"I don't want others to ever feel like they are alone, like there is no one else out there - because there are so many of us and together, we are living in the moment, helping others and counting our blessings." Brain tumour survivor, Tiffany
"I don't want others to ever feel like they are alone, like there is no one else out there - because there are so many of us and together, we are living in the moment, helping others and counting our blessings." Brain tumour survivor, Tiffany
October 3, 2012: Gary and Karen's Story of Strength 
In April 2006 Gary received the diagnosis of a large brain tumour on his left frontal lobe, a malignant Grade III anaplastic oligoastrocytoma. And, Gary was told he might only have five years to live. Despite the shocking prognosis, Gary recalls feeling overjoyed to finally have an explanation for the many symptoms he had been experiencing. “I looked at the doctors and said, ‘Thank you. Now what do we do?’”
In April 2006 Gary received the diagnosis of a large brain tumour on his left frontal lobe, a malignant Grade III anaplastic oligoastrocytoma. And, Gary was told he might only have five years to live. Despite the shocking prognosis, Gary recalls feeling overjoyed to finally have an explanation for the many symptoms he had been experiencing. “I looked at the doctors and said, ‘Thank you. Now what do we do?’”
October 4, 2012: Today we Want to Hear from You!
How do you find strength on the journey with a brain tumour? Whether you have been recently diagnosed, are a long-term survivor or have lost a loved one to a brain tumour, finding strength is one way we all get through the days. What do you do? Is there a special song or someone you talk to? Maybe you have a specific activity or past-time you enjoy. Share how you find strength with this one question survey and we'll compile the answers to help others through 'Words of Wisdom' under 'Care and Support' on the website.
How do you find strength on the journey with a brain tumour? Whether you have been recently diagnosed, are a long-term survivor or have lost a loved one to a brain tumour, finding strength is one way we all get through the days. What do you do? Is there a special song or someone you talk to? Maybe you have a specific activity or past-time you enjoy. Share how you find strength with this one question survey and we'll compile the answers to help others through 'Words of Wisdom' under 'Care and Support' on the website.
October 5, 2012: Karen's Story of Strength - Update on McKenna 
It’s been almost three years since the Lumley-Metcalfe family was shaken by their four-year-old daughter’s brain tumour diagnosis. Looking back on those challenging times, Mom Karen says their two children, McKenna, now seven, and her younger brother Blake, “don’t really remember the negatives, but they do remember the amazing people they met along the way.” The family’s journey has been one full of strength and hope...
It’s been almost three years since the Lumley-Metcalfe family was shaken by their four-year-old daughter’s brain tumour diagnosis. Looking back on those challenging times, Mom Karen says their two children, McKenna, now seven, and her younger brother Blake, “don’t really remember the negatives, but they do remember the amazing people they met along the way.” The family’s journey has been one full of strength and hope...
October 6, 2012: The Story of Pediatric Support 
All across Canada families on the journey with a pediatric brain tumour are connecting with one another and finding support in many ways. Some examples included: the storybook 'A Friend in Hope' helps children understand the illness and the BrainWAVE program which is currently offered in Lower Mainland BC and Southern Ontario. If you are facing the journey with a pediatric brain tumour in your family, you are not alone.
All across Canada families on the journey with a pediatric brain tumour are connecting with one another and finding support in many ways. Some examples included: the storybook 'A Friend in Hope' helps children understand the illness and the BrainWAVE program which is currently offered in Lower Mainland BC and Southern Ontario. If you are facing the journey with a pediatric brain tumour in your family, you are not alone.
October 7, 2012: Anitta's Story of Strength
For almost two decades, Anitta Hamming has battled an uncommon tumour that, when she was first diagnosed, came with a poor prognosis. Considered by her family and friends to be a statistical anomaly, Anitta lives with a cavernous sinus meningioma, and in 1993 was only the 37th case to be diagnosed in North America. Looking back on her diagnosis, Anitta says it was a conscious decision to not let the tumour dictate how she was going to live. “The stats weren’t in my favour and I knew it..."
For almost two decades, Anitta Hamming has battled an uncommon tumour that, when she was first diagnosed, came with a poor prognosis. Considered by her family and friends to be a statistical anomaly, Anitta lives with a cavernous sinus meningioma, and in 1993 was only the 37th case to be diagnosed in North America. Looking back on her diagnosis, Anitta says it was a conscious decision to not let the tumour dictate how she was going to live. “The stats weren’t in my favour and I knew it..."
October 8, 2012: The Strength of Community 
Thank You to everyone who contributes to the strength of the brain tumour community in Canada.Thank you for your donations. Thank you for your time. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for being part of support and hope. This video showcases the 30 ways (in honour of the organization's 30th anniversary this year) everything you do helps. You make these things happen. You bring hope.
Thank You to everyone who contributes to the strength of the brain tumour community in Canada.Thank you for your donations. Thank you for your time. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for being part of support and hope. This video showcases the 30 ways (in honour of the organization's 30th anniversary this year) everything you do helps. You make these things happen. You bring hope.
October 9, 2012: Tom's Story of Strength 
Tom is a brain tumour survivor and in this video he shares his story of strength from the onset of his symptoms and his path to diagnosis to how he has gotten through the journey with a brain tumour.
Tom is a brain tumour survivor and in this video he shares his story of strength from the onset of his symptoms and his path to diagnosis to how he has gotten through the journey with a brain tumour.
October 10, 2012: Jim's Story of Strength 
Jim is a glioblastoma brain tumour survivor from Alberta. He has shared his story of strength and hope with the aim of helping others on the journey with a brain tumour. The story begins in early January 2009. It is the story of Jim, his wife Barb, his daughter Jeanna, his grandchildren and his community.
Jim is a glioblastoma brain tumour survivor from Alberta. He has shared his story of strength and hope with the aim of helping others on the journey with a brain tumour. The story begins in early January 2009. It is the story of Jim, his wife Barb, his daughter Jeanna, his grandchildren and his community.
October 11, 2012: Amber's Story of Strength 
Toronto mother Amber Madore is spending October 2012 in a much different way than she would have imagined a year ago. This year she is focused on taking part in the Making “Cents” of Brain Tumours campaign, raising funds and awareness to help the cross-country fight against brain tumours. Amber’s connection to the cause began in March 2012...
Toronto mother Amber Madore is spending October 2012 in a much different way than she would have imagined a year ago. This year she is focused on taking part in the Making “Cents” of Brain Tumours campaign, raising funds and awareness to help the cross-country fight against brain tumours. Amber’s connection to the cause began in March 2012...
October 12, 2012: Finding Strength
Today we are spotlighting a new 'Ask the Expert' and a 'Words of Wisdom' about finding strength on the journey with a brain tumour. A new 'Ask the Expert' article on the topic of physical strength has been written to help celebrate all the ways strength helps the journey with a brain tumour. As well, last week we asked you, "How do you find strength on the journey with a brain tumour?" The incredible answers from more than 30 people have been compiled here. Thank you for your contributions.
Today we are spotlighting a new 'Ask the Expert' and a 'Words of Wisdom' about finding strength on the journey with a brain tumour. A new 'Ask the Expert' article on the topic of physical strength has been written to help celebrate all the ways strength helps the journey with a brain tumour. As well, last week we asked you, "How do you find strength on the journey with a brain tumour?" The incredible answers from more than 30 people have been compiled here. Thank you for your contributions.
October 13, 2012: What Do You Wish People Knew About Brain Tumours?
Today is another day to share your insight. Information is an important tool for anyone on the journey with a brain tumour. We want to hear from you about what you wish, "the rest of the world" knew about the journey and/or about brain tumours. Share with this one question survey and we'll use the information to build public awareness and help. We'll also share all the results with you at the end of next week.
Today is another day to share your insight. Information is an important tool for anyone on the journey with a brain tumour. We want to hear from you about what you wish, "the rest of the world" knew about the journey and/or about brain tumours. Share with this one question survey and we'll use the information to build public awareness and help. We'll also share all the results with you at the end of next week.
October 14, 2012: Strength Through Social Media
Yesterday was London Brain Tumour Information Day and all month the brain tumour community has been interacting online. We want to share with you today some of the strength that is coming through from all of these channels. Together, we are reaching thousands of Canadians raising awareness about brain tumours and helping to change the future of brain tumour research and patient care. Read the complete 'storify' coverage of Information Day. Thousands of people are being reached through social media, email and the website, check out this 'storify' of just some of the activity.
Yesterday was London Brain Tumour Information Day and all month the brain tumour community has been interacting online. We want to share with you today some of the strength that is coming through from all of these channels. Together, we are reaching thousands of Canadians raising awareness about brain tumours and helping to change the future of brain tumour research and patient care. Read the complete 'storify' coverage of Information Day. Thousands of people are being reached through social media, email and the website, check out this 'storify' of just some of the activity.
October 15, 2012: The Power of Family and Friends 
Connor had a blossoming career with the Winnipeg Police Service, a happy home life and a baby on the way when he and his wife Glynis received a diagnosis that would surprise them: Connor had an oligodendroglioma. Because of the comfort he found through the stories he read online from others living with the disease, Connor decided to give back to the brain tumour community. With friends and loved ones rallying behind the young family, the first 'Birdies for Brain Tumours' golf tournament took place in July 2012, raising an incredible $30,000...
Connor had a blossoming career with the Winnipeg Police Service, a happy home life and a baby on the way when he and his wife Glynis received a diagnosis that would surprise them: Connor had an oligodendroglioma. Because of the comfort he found through the stories he read online from others living with the disease, Connor decided to give back to the brain tumour community. With friends and loved ones rallying behind the young family, the first 'Birdies for Brain Tumours' golf tournament took place in July 2012, raising an incredible $30,000...
October 16, 2012: Survivorship: Finding Strength on the Journey with a Brain Tumour
Part of the journey with a brain tumour is understanding how support plays a critical role in survivorship. It's important that patients and survivors live the best lives they possibly can. This means individuals who feel strong, empowered and hopeful about their diagnosis and future. Brain tumour patients and survivors are strengthened when they know they are not alone, and that they can count on others to help them, encourage them, build them up when they are down and celebrate...
Part of the journey with a brain tumour is understanding how support plays a critical role in survivorship. It's important that patients and survivors live the best lives they possibly can. This means individuals who feel strong, empowered and hopeful about their diagnosis and future. Brain tumour patients and survivors are strengthened when they know they are not alone, and that they can count on others to help them, encourage them, build them up when they are down and celebrate...
October 17, 2012: Riley and Coral-Ann's Story of Strength 
Riley was just six-and-a-half when he was diagnosed with a fast-growing medulloblastoma, one of the most common pediatric brain tumours. He had to have several surgeries, plus chemotherapy and radiation, to treat the cancer. Riley had to learn how to walk and talk again. Riley and his mom Coral-Ann tell their story in a video here.
Riley was just six-and-a-half when he was diagnosed with a fast-growing medulloblastoma, one of the most common pediatric brain tumours. He had to have several surgeries, plus chemotherapy and radiation, to treat the cancer. Riley had to learn how to walk and talk again. Riley and his mom Coral-Ann tell their story in a video here.
October 18, 2012: The Strength of National Awareness 
Early in 2012, three television public service announcements were created to raise awareness about brain tumours and help raise funds for programs and research. The commercial titled "Darts" aims to shine the light on the fact that brain tumours can affect anyone. They're unpredictable. By sharing this commercial you can help spread critical awareness across the country, which will help lift the burden of the disease for every Canadian that is affected. Watch the commercial now.
Early in 2012, three television public service announcements were created to raise awareness about brain tumours and help raise funds for programs and research. The commercial titled "Darts" aims to shine the light on the fact that brain tumours can affect anyone. They're unpredictable. By sharing this commercial you can help spread critical awareness across the country, which will help lift the burden of the disease for every Canadian that is affected. Watch the commercial now.
October 19, 2012: Honouring the Strength of a Friend 
On a rainy morning in April 2012 members of the London Rowing Club made their way to the start line for the London Spring Sprint. There was no way the weather would dampen their spirits. This was club’s third time taking part in the fundraiser. This year, though, something had changed. “I wasn’t expecting it to feel so different,” recalls Andrew...Read the entire story
On a rainy morning in April 2012 members of the London Rowing Club made their way to the start line for the London Spring Sprint. There was no way the weather would dampen their spirits. This was club’s third time taking part in the fundraiser. This year, though, something had changed. “I wasn’t expecting it to feel so different,” recalls Andrew...Read the entire story
October 20, 2012: Strength from the Hats Tribute
At first glance, an assortment of bike helmets, toques, and baseball caps seems to have little significance. The collection that is the Hats Tribute however, is anything but ordinary. Each hat represents the many faces of brain tumours. Each one belongs to a diagnosed patient who has taken the courageous, life-changing, journey with the disease. Included with many of the hats is a photo of the inspirational person who has been affected, along with a story which shares their personal triumphs and challenges. You can view all of the nearly 200 hats, you can watch videos of them all and you can share your own hat.
At first glance, an assortment of bike helmets, toques, and baseball caps seems to have little significance. The collection that is the Hats Tribute however, is anything but ordinary. Each hat represents the many faces of brain tumours. Each one belongs to a diagnosed patient who has taken the courageous, life-changing, journey with the disease. Included with many of the hats is a photo of the inspirational person who has been affected, along with a story which shares their personal triumphs and challenges. You can view all of the nearly 200 hats, you can watch videos of them all and you can share your own hat.
October 21, 2012: Strength Through Awareness 
The second of the three television public service announcements is our spotlight today. We are pleased to share with you that "Puzzle" is being shown this week as part of Toronto Fashion Week, on a screen outside David Pecault Square (October 22 - 26) and it is now running in Nova Scotia on CTV, where it will be running for the next three months. Find all of the public service announcements here.
The second of the three television public service announcements is our spotlight today. We are pleased to share with you that "Puzzle" is being shown this week as part of Toronto Fashion Week, on a screen outside David Pecault Square (October 22 - 26) and it is now running in Nova Scotia on CTV, where it will be running for the next three months. Find all of the public service announcements here.
October 22, 2012: Sharing What You Are Doing
Tell us what have you been doing to raise awareness about brain tumours during Brain Tumour Awareness Month? From hosting an awareness display to sharing information on Facebook and putting up a poster, we want to hear it all. We asked you to tell us how you have been raising awareness.
Tell us what have you been doing to raise awareness about brain tumours during Brain Tumour Awareness Month? From hosting an awareness display to sharing information on Facebook and putting up a poster, we want to hear it all. We asked you to tell us how you have been raising awareness.
October 23, 2012: Bekki's Story of Strength 
Less than one year ago, 31-year-old childcare worker Bekki Rahal’s life changed in a way she had never imagined that it could. In the middle of the night, on January 29, 2012, she found herself awake with a leg cramp. “I thought that it was a ‘charlie horse’ and that I would just go back to sleep,” she remembers. But then, she started yelling in pain, waking her husband Steve and before they knew it, she was having a seizure.
Less than one year ago, 31-year-old childcare worker Bekki Rahal’s life changed in a way she had never imagined that it could. In the middle of the night, on January 29, 2012, she found herself awake with a leg cramp. “I thought that it was a ‘charlie horse’ and that I would just go back to sleep,” she remembers. But then, she started yelling in pain, waking her husband Steve and before they knew it, she was having a seizure.
October 24, 2012: Brain Tumours - The Facts: 
Every day, 27 Canadians are diagnosed with a brain tumour. Sharing this fact and many others with everyone is so very important to helping to raise awareness and critical funds for research and programs.You can download the full fact sheet as a pdf or an image to share in your workplace, your community and online. You can download this information as a pdf or a jpeg image to share with your community.
Every day, 27 Canadians are diagnosed with a brain tumour. Sharing this fact and many others with everyone is so very important to helping to raise awareness and critical funds for research and programs.You can download the full fact sheet as a pdf or an image to share in your workplace, your community and online. You can download this information as a pdf or a jpeg image to share with your community.
Jamie and Crystal's Stories of Strength: October 25 
Both Jamie and Crystal are brain tumour survivors and their story is very unique. Together they have found strength and hope by connecting with others at the local Brain Tumour Support Group and Spring Sprint. Jamie and Crystal share their inspiring and warm stories of strength, hope and love in a seven minute video in support of Brain Tumour Awareness Month.
Both Jamie and Crystal are brain tumour survivors and their story is very unique. Together they have found strength and hope by connecting with others at the local Brain Tumour Support Group and Spring Sprint. Jamie and Crystal share their inspiring and warm stories of strength, hope and love in a seven minute video in support of Brain Tumour Awareness Month.
October 26, 2012: Wendy's Story of StrengthIt's been a year of healing for the Dickieson family as August 2012 marked the one-year anniversary of Charlie Dickieson’s passing. Looking back on their time together, Wendy says it was her husband Charlie’s humour that helped their family find the strength to get through the tough times during his diagnosis and treatment. “He was fun, and a great friend and dad. Charlie could always make you laugh, even when he wasn’t feeling the best.” Read this incredible family's journey and how they have found strength in supporting one another and helping the brain tumour community.
October 27, 2012: Raising National Awareness
The final television public service announcement was the spotlight today - along with a thank you to everyone who helped make the commercials a reality.
The final television public service announcement was the spotlight today - along with a thank you to everyone who helped make the commercials a reality.
October 28: Scott's Story of Strength 
to health through intense bodybuilding training, the idea of a brain tumour was the furthest thing from Scott Cook’s mind in 2009. Preparing for an April 2009 bodybuilding show was Scott’s focus in the end of 2008. “It was to be my last show before we started a family,” he explains.
to health through intense bodybuilding training, the idea of a brain tumour was the furthest thing from Scott Cook’s mind in 2009. Preparing for an April 2009 bodybuilding show was Scott’s focus in the end of 2008. “It was to be my last show before we started a family,” he explains.
October 29: Gifts Make an Impact
Help for Canadians affected by a brain tumour occurs because of the generosity of people like you. Programs and services as well as critical research are funded by donations for individuals, corporations and foundations. Today we are spotlighting some of the people who are making commitments to help lift the burden of a brain tumour - they each have a story of strength and hope. Click over to read about Shelley, Ben Seewald and his family and the Jacobsens.
Help for Canadians affected by a brain tumour occurs because of the generosity of people like you. Programs and services as well as critical research are funded by donations for individuals, corporations and foundations. Today we are spotlighting some of the people who are making commitments to help lift the burden of a brain tumour - they each have a story of strength and hope. Click over to read about Shelley, Ben Seewald and his family and the Jacobsens.
October 30, 2012:
October 31, 2012:
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1-800-265-5106 or 519-642-7755, ext. 232
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