(Left to right) Dr. Joseph Megyesi, Chairperson of the Board, and Phyllis Retty, Chair of the Research Committee, present Vince and Moira Nash and Joyce Brown with formal recognition of Bill Nash's generous bequest.

For patients, survivors and their families, supporting education and research into the potential causes and cures for brain tumours is great motivation to get involved, to donate funds or time or to raise awareness about brain tumours. For William "Bill" Nash, a dairy farmer from Ingersoll, Ontario who was diagnosed with a brain tumour 1992, this was particularly true. He strongly believed in the importance of education and research in the fight against brain tumours. In fact, following his diagnosis, Bill persevered for 16 years, continuing to work the family’s farm with the help of many students until his death in 2007.

Now, two years later and with the support of Bill’s family, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is proud to announce the September 2009 launch of the William Donald Nash Brain Tumour Research Fellowship. Rooted in Bill’s desire to see a cure for brain tumours found as well as his support for education, a generous bequest from his estate makes the fellowship possible. It will encourage and enable young clinicians and scientists to enter the field of brain tumour research and will accelerate studies leading to a cure for brain tumours.

According to Bill’s brother Vince Nash, "Bill certainly wanted a cure for brain tumours to be discovered and he understood the importance of education and youth mentorship to that goal." Several years before his death, Bill had a discussion with his family regarding his estate. Because of his specific interest in involving young people, the family worked to ensure that Bill’s gift included a learning aspect that also paid homage to the medical care he received. "Bill had a sincere appreciation for his caregivers and doctors who helped him through his journey with his brain tumour."

Dr. Penny Costello, Ph.D. launched her current research program that focuses on individualized chemotherapy with the support of a fellowship and is excited by the possibility of this new educational prospect."Opportunities such as the William Donald Nash Fellowship are key to enabling young clinicians and scientists to enter research fields with a specialty focus," she says. "This fellowship is sure to appeal to young scientists looking to explore the possible causes of and treatments for brain tumours."

The importance of fellowships to increasing research capacity was identified by the 2008 Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada Research Think Tank attended by health care professionals from across Canada.

Phyllis Retty, Chair of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s Research Committee says, "One of the goals of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is to find a cure for brain tumours and to improve the quality of life for those affected and this fellowship will help make this a reality."

The William Donald Nash Fellowship will be offered over ten years by Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada in keeping with the organization’s vision and in recognition of the critical need for increased focus on brain tumour research. The fellowship runs for two years and includes annual funds, to cover salary and lab expenses, of $50,000. A new candidate will be chosen every two years starting in January 2010.