In the fall of 2005, Jennifer Brewe’s life changed drastically when she was diagnosed with an ependymoma tumour. Fortunately, the tumour was operable and, in November of 2005, it was removed by neurosurgeon, Dr. Joseph Megyesi, coincidentally the Chair for Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s Board of Directors. Following treatment and her recovery, Jennifer decided to give back to the organization which had carried her through this difficult period in her life. She has now been volunteering with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada for a year-and-a-half.

Following her initial diagnosis, Dr. Megyesi provided Jennifer with a Patient Resource Handbook which she found to be a saving grace amidst her troubles. A brain tumour diagnosis is often an overwhelming experience for the individual and the Patient Resource Handbook gave Jennifer information to help cope with her disease. It helped her understand what was happening throughout surgery and radiation which ended in February of 2006. Since that time, MRIs have revealed that Jennifer is now tumour free and, most recently, her appointments have been to once a year. Jennifer also found comfort in the London support group offered by Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

In September of 2009, Jen entered her first year in the Occupational Therapy Master’s Program at the University of Western Ontario. Jennifer remembers fondly an occupational therapist who had worked with her after her tumour. Prior to Jen’s brain tumour diagnosis, Jen aspired to be an occupational therapist, but her experience following the tumour reinforced her desire. She hopes that she will someday be able to work with people recovering from cancer. In the meantime, Jennifer continues to aid the foundation as in integral force in spreading information to those who need it most during such an overwhelming time in their lives.

Jen is based in the London office and volunteers her time once a week, for a few hours a day, performing administrative tasks. She has also volunteered at the Information Day. Her main focus is addressing the many requests for information and making sure that the resource material is forwarded to those who have submitted the requests. This information includes the Patient Resource Handbook, pamphlets and the children’s book. Jen feels rewarded in the fact that she can, "help get the information out to the patients since I know how important it was to me."

Please CLICK HERE to learn more about the opportunities that are available for you to volunteer with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.