Most people affected by brain tumours consider every day a blessing. Cheryl Clarke is one of those people.

Cheryl, 44, is coordinator for the Foundation's Spring Sprint in her hometown of Belleville, Ontario, and also co-facilitates the monthly support group. Her husband, John, was diagnosed with an Oligodendroglioma in 1995. He underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Last September, the family's friends had a benefit dance, raising money to support in-home care for John so Cheryl could continue her full-time job as a social worker.

"We’re lucky to have supportive friends and family, so I guess that's why I support Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. So anytime we have an anniversary or birthday I ask for donations for the Foundation instead of gifts. We try to support them as much as we can."

The couple has two daughters. Cheryl says that the girls surprised them when they both went out and got tattoos on the top of their foot saying "imagine a cure".

Amber, 21, did it first. Melanie, 17, needed parental consent. She negotiated with her mom. In return for getting the tattoo, Melanie would take care of her dad for three nights to give Cheryl some free time.

"I was pretty tired at the time so I gave in," Cheryl laughs, adding that the tattoos do look good "and a lot of their friends ask what it's for so it's spreading the word. It's their way of supporting their dad."

For Cheryl and her family, being together every day is a blessing.

"Lots of people who are diagnosed with brain tumours think they're not going to survive. John is still with us after 12 years. There have been obstacles but being diagnosed with a brain tumour doesn't mean you won't be here with your family. John is with us. He still has his sense of humour, and we will just find new ways to manage this next part of our journey."