This is Matt MacDonald. Matt was diagnosed at 11 with an inoperable malignant brain tumour a "non-germinoma germ cell tumour." He underwent five rounds of chemotherapy, had a VP shunt installed and then six weeks of radiation. Against the odds, he went into remission and survived for three and a half years following treatment. On Friday, December 15, 2000 following a 14.5 hour surgery to remove as much of his tumour as they could, Matt slipped into a coma and then passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2000 at the age of 14 and a half. During his illness he inspired everyone who was fortunate enough to have the privilege to meet him and many others who just knew his story. He faced his challenge with love, courage, determination, dignity, compassion, maturity, knowledge, and most of all humour. This hat represents Mattħs hat in the picture (the exact hat went with Matt). Matt was granted his wish from the Wish Foundation. We went on a cruise on "The Big Red Boat" and this hat was purchased on that trip. After that his hat was always on his head. it would slip away long enough to be washed but then it would be right back on his head again. The hat that is here is very similar to the one he wore; however this is one he received when he represented the I.W.K. Health Centre as their Champion Child with the Children`s Miracle Network in 2000. He really liked it too, but his "Big Red Boat" hat was his favourite. He never wore his hat to cover up his bald head or his scars. He actually had his head shaved and operated on more times than you can count on both hands. He was not self-conscious about that at all. He wore it to protect his head from the sun. He was very concerned with following all of the proper rules for his health. This was his summer hat and he also had a very funky winter hat to protect his head as well. Matt was an amazing young man, a wise old soul, who always knew how to make everyone comfortable with his illness. He has been gone almost seven years, but people still share stories about his wise-ness and most of all his humour with us all the time. He is not forgotten.
Hi, my name is Gail MacKay and I was diagnosed in April of 1991 with an Oligodendroglioma grade 2. I was diagnosed very quickly as a result of a grand mal seizure. I underwent surgery and I was given the opportunity to enter a study so I had radiation and chemotherapy. Today, I am doing very well. My MRIgs, which are every 6 months now, are showing no new growth. Other than the anticonvulsants, which make me drowsy, I am not in need of any other medications. I would like to thank the support of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada for their caring nature as well as Dr. David Macdonald and Dr. Glenn Bauman.
Antonio Malfara was a compete family man, hard-working, dedicated, loving with a heart of gold. During his 7-month battle, showed enormous love and affection with strength and courage beyond words. Our hero and our loving teddy bear as always! xoxox. P.S. The hat tribute is perfect for him as he wore a hat each day of his life.
In honour of Emily Markle. To know Emily is to know a stoic angel.
Jason David Marshall - April 2, 1979 - June 17, 2008
In loving memory of a terrific son and brother. Jason had a 12 year courageous battle with a non-operable brain tumour. He was a very, very special person. Jason lived his life to its fullest; trying his best not to let his illness interfere (he succeeded). Jason was a very warm hearted person who always thought of everyone else before himself; right to the end. He affected everyone that he met in a very positive way. His smile, tenderness, friendship, concern for others (no matter who it was) will be greatly missed by all family members, close friends and many casual acquaintances.
Melissa Martin
In May of 2002, my life changed forever. I met a spectacular person with a zest for life that I have yet to see matched. She lives each day to the fullest with a strength that I can't even comprehend. Whether it's camping, or canoeing or simply watching T.V. she's always at her best. I simply can't imagine a day without her. In November of this year (2004) she will undergo surgery for her second brain tumour. In spite of this, she simply refuses to let this dampen her spirits. Melissa you are truly amazing. Love always, Scotty.
I love Melissa not only because she is my daughter, but because she is the only person I have known to live with such strength, happiness and passion for life. Melissa is a girl you always want to be your friend. Love, Mommy, XOXO.
Mason
In November of 2002, after complaining about head and neck pains, our once healthy and delightful three year old son Mason was diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma aggressive brain tumour. Our world was shattered. The future of our once happy and loving family of two boys and baby on the way seemed so uncertain. We questioned everything…why us, our faith and life itself as we prepared for the fight of our lives. The next year and a half would be a roller coaster ride of taking two steps forward and one step back as we all pulled together to overcome this disease. Surgeries, radiation treatments, heavy chemotherapy, infections, blood transfusions and lots of time spent in hospital was our everyday life. Words cannot describe our feelings are we watched our child suffer through this reality. We focused on staying positive, keeping our family unit strong and connecting to God. The loving support that we received from family, friends and community was invaluable. The medical staff became like extended family and people appeared out of nowhere to extend themselves for our benefit. It was truly a humbling experience that we will always be thankful for and that motivates us to serve others today. We have come a long way in the last five years. Mason is not only survivingĥheħs thriving! He continues to amaze us with his ability to overcome adversity at eight years old, is our little hero. We have every confidence that he has all that he needs to live out a happy and fulfilled life. What we have learned and taken away from this experience is that life has no guarantees. None of us know what is around the corner and that all we can do to prepare ourselves is to live our best lives by helping to serve others. It is how we are all connected. God takes care of the rest!
Christopher Murray McDermott,
Born October 15, 2968 in Lachine, QC died at the age of 33 on Friday, May 17, 2002 in Toronto following a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Family and friends held a Celebration reception to honour Christopher's life and achievements.
Scott Mizibrocky
Survivor and active volunteer at the Calgary Spring Sprint.
Frances Moore
Hi, my name is Frances and I have a brain tumour. I was diagnosed May 2004. I have done both radiation and chemotherapy treatments. My outlook on life is: "There's always someone worse than you." This will keep you fighting. Let your family help you because they love you! Sometimes it gets tough, but hang in there.
Marie Moore:
"As I am a former brain tumour patient, I am sending you a hat. I had my surgery in September 1994. I was very happy it was a benign tumour (meningioma). Have been in good health since then. This is one of the hats we wore in our parades with our car. We also had decorated shoes and clothes. Hope someone there enjoys my look as everyone this way certainly has."
Rick Morton, Kingston, ON.
Brain tumour survivor. Husband, father and friend.
In memory of Guy Morrison.
Richard Motyka
Worn by Richard, spring, summer and fall during treatment.