Stories of the Power of Hope

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Share and Inspire

When you give today, you can share a photograph and a short story of the person who inspires your gift.

To share your Story of the Power of Hope and show your support for those affected by brain tumours, please donate now. Once you donate, a link will be sent to you to allow you to share your story and upload a photograph.

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Your Stories

Maqing

Miqing

In loving memory of my mom, Maqing, who was full of life and stories. Restarting life as a new immigrant was not easy (especially with 2 pre-teens!), but she persevered through odd jobs and additional education in those early years. Maqing became a beloved Montessori teacher at Westboro Montessori School, where she worked tirelessly for 10 years – up until the summer she got diagnosed with GBM. She fought with optimism at the start of her journey and we witnessed many miracles, unfortunately the cancer returned and we had to say our goodbyes in 2021. Maqing is dearly missed by our little family. – Kindly donated by Dora

Clement

Clément, you defied the 18-month prognosis and stayed with us for 3 years! You were so courageous, during treatments, in your life, and in death. There is great hope for the future regarding brain tumour research. After all these years of hard work by several researchers, doctors, and especially the thousands of patients who have bravely contributed to the treatments. I am convinced that very soon, there will be an announcement about brain cancer. A huge thank you to all those who dedicate their lives to this fight! – Generously donated by Julie

Peter

In loving, memory of our father, son, husband, brother, uncle and friend, Peter Sbaraglia. Peter wished to be remembered as loyal, empathetic, sincere, happy, lucky, open minded and loved! – Kindly donated anonymously

Erin

My daughter Erin Angela Lafrance diagnosed with a Brain Tumour (gradeII Astrocytoma) on July 07, 2015 age 34. She lost her battle April 27, 2021, age 40. She left behind two beautiful children and an amazing husband. Amazing daughter, wife, mother, sister and Auntie. Miss you forever! – Kindly donated by Linda

Charlie

We lost our beloved Charlie (Prongua) on December 19, 2009 who will be forever loved and missed. Charlie was diagnosed in 2001 with brain cancer. He was a loving husband and father of three who was fun loving and always thought of others first. It gave him pleasure to help others on the same journey by volunteering with the BTFC as Support Group leader! – Kindly donated by Kathy

Diva

Diva is now one of the 5%. She was diagnosed in 2017 and went through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. I know the road has been challenging and Diva has faced the challenges with determination and a commitment to continue to engage in life. Diva you are such an inspiration! Sending you love and courage as you continue this journey! – Kindly donated by Christine

Carolyn

15 years ago, on July 1st last year, I was diagnosed with a malignant glioblastoma brain tumor. I had surgery at St Mike’s the day after my diagnosis followed by radiation and chemotherapy with Temazolamide. Since then I have had an MRI every 6 months and all have been no change! I am so blessed! – Kindly donated by Carolyn

Kristofer

Remembering and honouring my son, Kristofer Matthew, whose journey ended far too soon on April 22, 2022. Kristofer’s humorous, generous, compassionate spirit created 21 years of unforgettable memories. Hoping for the treatment and prevention of brain tumours for others, this gift is given in your memory, my Special K! – Kindly donated by Katherine

Nancy

In memory of my niece Nancy Beaudoin who passed away in April 2021. Nancy fought for just over 5 years. Her courage was exemplary. She smiled until the end. Nancy loved life. She is an example to us all. You will always be in my heart! – Kindly donated by Danielle

My Mom

In memory of my mom who died of this terrible disease! – Kindly donated by Paola

My Dad

In memory of my Dad who passed away almost 35 years ago from a brain tumour! – Kindly donated by David

Anne

Anne Quesnel, my wife, had a type 1 meningium tumour removed in 2016. Her recovery was long but she is better today. I salute her courage and determination! I love you! – Kindly donated by Gérard

Paul

My brother Paul fought a good fight for 25 months and enjoyed every minute of time with our entire family. I miss his hearty laugh and big hugs everyday. This donation is in his memory and I hope my gift will help others battle this crippling disease! – Kindly donated by Judy

My Mother

In memory of my mother who was diagnosed with glioblastoma at 57 years old. She fought a courageous battle for 10 months. Here’s hoping for better understanding and treatments of GBM! – Kindly donated by Jessica

Gladys

My mom fought a good fight with a brain tumour she lived 2 years after being diagnosed and her quality of life wasn’t great but she enjoyed some family milestones. We miss her like crazy every day. In memory of Gladys Greer! – Kindly donated by Colleen

Danielle

Danielle Miksche was my big sister who lived the Holidays! She is forever loved and missed! I wish you could have met our 3 kids, you would have had a blast with them. Couple of princesses just like my big sister! – Kindly donated by Tyler

Milan

Milan, my husband, my world was a selfless, kind and loving man. He was passionate about everything he did often reminding us that “life is too short, you have to live it!” Our world came crashing down when he was suddenly diagnosed with glioblastoma. It was humbling and inspirational to witness his strength of character as he pressed onward with his warm smile and his bright blue eyes filled with determination to fight this indiscriminate disease with grace, dignity and courage. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you and pray for you (and all those who courageously continue this battle). I LOVE you…forever in my heart! – Kindly donated by Vesna

Marv

My husband of 43 years, Marv, was diagnosed with gliosarcoma (more rare than glioblastoma) a very rare form of brain cancer, in September of 2021. He fought a courageous battle and no stone was left unturned in his fight. On July 11, 2022, Marv, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Unfortunately, this terrible disease was something that changed everything for him and our family. He was the heart of this family and the void is immense. Walk with kindness and love with everyone you cross paths with everyday. You just never know! – Kindly donated by Marina and Family

Chris

He worked hard his entire 40 year career and sold his business to retire and finally enjoy more time with his wife, three adult sons and grandkids. Just over a year after retiring he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He only survived 18 months after the diagnosis. We miss him but we will never forget him and all that he accomplished and provided to his family in Canada and in Wales! – Kindly donated by Barbara

BTFC Team

BTFC Staff

Thank you to the incredible team at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada for your commitment to supporting the brain tumour community. Your dedication and compassion bring hope and comfort to so many. You are truly changing lives with the work that you do. – Kindly donated anonymously

Lauren

Lauren fought a battle that no child should ever have to go through and at 12 years old she lost that battle. Throughout her life she was surrounded by the love and support of her family, but she also gave them strength through her bravery and her beautiful smile. Lauren, and her smile, are remembered by so many people every day. – Kindly donated by Shannon

Jim

Jim stayed positive and loving through all the cancer treatments, always ready with a joke and a chocolate bar. Focused on living every day to it’s fullest and spending time with his family and friends. He received excellent care at Tom Baker. We miss him every day.
– Kindly donated by Sue

Dad

My Dad

My Dad was my best friend. He would come to all my hockey games and practices and was always there to give his advice and support. I will always think back to the long car rides and conversations we had along this journey. Because of him I was able to achieve all my dreams. – Kindly donated by Tommy

Denis

Denis Redmond

Denis would say “Live in the moment” and “Allow yourself to be happy”. Diagnosed with a GBM in May 2013 he never stopped living and inspiring hope in others throughout his journey. Denis had 9 wonderful years with us. He is gone but his spirit continues to inspire us everyday. – Kindly donated by Denis’ father, Ken

My Twin Sister

In February 2019, my identical twin was diagnosed with Glioblastoma and had less than a year, maybe only 4 months to live. Through her incredible healing journey of gratitude and positivity, she beat that prognosis by months. We said goodbye in October 2020, but still feel her with us always. – Kindly donated by Kirsten

Michael

Michael Adam

Our life turned upside down on August 1, 2022 when my husband, Michael, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma grade IV. He’s endured 2 brain surgeries, radiation, oral chemo, and blood transfusions. He continues his fight with positivity, humour and hope. I am in awe of his fighting spirit. He is our Sonic, our Rocky, our Warrior. We’re all in this together! – Kindly donated by Michael’s wife, Paula

Deane

Deane has endured more surgeries and set backs than one person should have to endure. Since his diagnosis of a Gliodendroglioma in 2018, he has shown only strength and the will to power on. He continues to beat the odds, and we can only provide him support in his endeavours to move forward. Deane is an amazing brother (stuck between two overbearing sisters) and son, we try to bring a smile to his face when we can. Being a former ultramarathon runner, I dream he may one day be able to run again, even one kilometre will feel like an ultramarathon. – Kindly donated by Deane’s sister, Dina

Charlie

Charlie had just celebrated his 22nd birthday when he was diagnosed with a tumour in his temporal and frontal lobes. Deemed inoperable at the time, he underwent a biopsy and 6 grueling rounds of chemo followed by 33 radiation treatments. At age 28, Charlie had to undergo a craniotomy. His positive attitude and will to live his life on his terms no matter the cards dealt him has been an inspiration, a source of strength and of hope to his family and friends. A heartfelt and big thank you to Charlie’s cancer teams at Sacré-Coeur Hospital and Montreal’s Neuro. – Kindly donated by Charlie’s dad, Tony Breault

Ismat

Ammi

My Ammi (mother) passed away 25 years ago. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of her. She was vibrant, engaging, loved a good conversation, an incredible cook, fantastic mother and above all a caring human. She fought brain cancer like everything she did in life – calmly, quietly and with dignity. We lost her way too early – she was 53. I hope my support can help prevent another young woman from losing her mother. I hope you will support as well. – Kindly donated by Amtul

Albert

Hope was a driving force during his 2 years of treatment. Hope changed throughout his journey: hope to be cured, hope for no recurrence, hope to have minor side effects from his surgery and then, hope to live as long as possible with a good quality of life… Albert passed away on August 8, 2022 at the age of 8 from a recurrence of medulloblastoma. Today, I am hopeful that his story will help advance medicine and improve the care offered to brain tumour patients. – Kindly donated by Albert’s mom, Liliane

Dad

Keeley's Dad

My Dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma brain cancer on August 1, 2022. He has already gone through with radiation, oral chemotherapy and two surgeries. He is a fighter and I’m proud of him always. Your my hero Dad, I love you forever! – Kindly donated by Keeley

Terri Lynn

Terri Lynn was diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma in January 2010. She took several rounds of chemo and radiation but she sadly lost her long and courageous battle on May 27, 2022. Forever in my heart !! – Kindly donated by Madonna (Mom)

Alysalah

At 32 weeks pregnant, Alysalah had a neurological emergency and was rushed to hospital; 24hrs later, they removed a 6cmx6cm mass in her frontal lobe at Sunnybrook. Diagnosed as an Astrocytoma. Four Months later, she is a super Mom to our 3.5 month old daughter, anchor for the family and truly one of the strongest people I know hitting new milestones everyday. Special Thanks to Neurosurgery and Obstetrics at Sunnybrook and Toronto Rehab’s ABI team! – Kindly donated by Justin

Carolyn

In spring 2022, my cousin Carolyn was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. She’s always been so self reliant and independent and refuses even now to let her diagnoses or treatment get her down. Between treatments she’s traveling and experiencing everything she wants in this world and she is truly an inspiration to me and my family. – Kindly donated by Aynsley

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