Celebrating our 2024 Volunteer Award Winners!
Volunteers are the heart of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. They play a crucial role in bringing hope, support and connection to people affected by a brain tumour. Our 2024 Volunteer Award winners exemplify the numerous ways volunteers make a difference, creating safe spaces of support, transforming personal loss into advocacy, inspiring entire communities to rally together, and raising essential awareness and funds for programs and research. Each of them has left a powerful mark on the brain tumour community, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions.
Volunteer of Distinction Trailblazer Award Recipient: Amy Dodge (Moncton, N.B.)
This award recognizes those who exemplify excellence in their role as a trailblazer, having made significant contributions to the brain tumour community. Through their dedication, meaningful actions, and groundbreaking contributions, the recipient of this award is paving the way for a brighter future for those affected by brain tumours.
Amy Dodge is a passionate community leader and advocate for Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Inspired by her father, Dr. David Dodge, an anaesthesiologist and longtime supporter of cancer research who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023, Amy led Team Dodge during our Brain Tumour Walk to become the top fundraising team in Canada in 2024. Through her leadership, creativity, and dedication, Amy has strengthened community spirit and honoured her father’s legacy of giving back to others affected by brain tumours.
Volunteer of Distinction Advocacy Award Recipients: Patrick Bélec (Sudbury, Ont.) and Rebecca Grundy (Mississauga, Ont.)
This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer who demonstrates exceptional dedication, interest and enthusiasm for brain tumour awareness. Recipients of this award are distinguished by their leadership and commitment to advocating for brain tumour health research and innovation in Canada.
Patrick Bélec, a brain tumour survivor and Registered Nurse, has demonstrated outstanding leadership as the facilitator of the Sudbury Brain Tumour Support Group, where he offers guidance and support grounded in both personal and professional experience. Through powerful advocacy and public speaking, spanning local events to international stages, he has become an inspiring voice for the brain tumour community.
Rebecca Grundy believed in using her voice for change. With a background as a government lobbyist for Ontario’s Progressive Conservative (PC) party and a successful career in public relations and communications, she dedicated her skills to meaningful causes. Her work included campaigns for Rethink Breast Cancer and lobbying efforts to bring Novocure’s Optune device—a wearable treatment for glioblastoma—to Canada.
Volunteer of Distinction Team Award Recipients: Jamille McLeod, Steve Shore and Sarah Vick (Saskatoon, Sask.)
This award recognizes a group of dedicated individuals who have made a significant impact through their collective volunteer efforts. The award honours teams that demonstrate outstanding commitment, collaboration, and service to the brain tumour community.
Steve, Jamille and Sarah, all former members of the Saskatoon in-person support group, helped revive and now facilitate it. Having received tremendous support and connection through the group during their own journeys, they are committed to giving back and supporting others in the same meaningful way.
Learn more about Jamille Learn more about Steve learn more about Sarah
Volunteer of Distinction Legacy of Service Award Recipients: Cindy Wilson and Lesley-Ann Senior (Ajax, Ont.)
This award honours individuals who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to volunteerism and the brain tumour community. It recognizes those whose dedication, leadership, and service have created lasting positive change. Recipients of this award leave behind a meaningful legacy, inspiring future generations to give back and continue their mission of service.
For more than 20 years, Cindy Wilson and Lesley-Ann Senior have co-facilitated the Durham Region brain tumour support group, offering comfort, understanding and hope to countless individuals and families. Their dedication has fostered a safe space where newly diagnosed patients can find reassurance and connection. Beyond the support group, they have participated in Brain Tumour Walks, fundraisers and awareness events, continuously strengthening their community and inspiring others through their compassion and service.
David Kelly Community Impact Award Recipients: Olivia Lassam and siblings Lucas and Kai (Victoria, B.C.)
This award honours an individual or team who has made outstanding volunteer contributions to their community. They have enriched the lives of others through their generous gifts of time and talent, all while raising awareness and support for those affected by a brain tumour. This award has been renamed in honour of brain tumour advocate and fundraising leader David Kelly, from Fredericton, New Brunswick.
Olivia, Lucas, and Kai raised nearly $60,000 through their lemonade stand in Victoria, B.C., with proceeds supporting pediatric cancer research through Cops for Cancer. Despite Olivia’s own ongoing battle with a brain tumour, the siblings’ teamwork and generosity have united their community and inspired many, making them deserving recipients of our David Kelly Award for Community Service.
Learn more about The Lassam Family
Health-Care Professional Award Recipient: Marilyn Durivage (Montreal, Que.)
This award recognizes an outstanding medical professional who has shown exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by a brain tumour. It honours a healthcare professional who has gone above and beyond in patient care, advocacy, research, or support services, making a lasting impact on the brain tumour community.
Marilyn Durivage has facilitated our French support group for nearly two years, ensuring members feel supported through follow-ups and thoughtful resources. Her compassion and commitment, while also serving as a family physician and caregiver, make her a remarkable leader and the deserving recipient of our Health-Care Professional Award.
Emerging Leader Award Recipient: Catarina Macedo (Kingston, Ont.)
This award recognizes a passionate and dedicated individual who is making a significant impact on the brain tumour community through leadership, innovation, and service. This award honours a rising leader – someone who has become a volunteer in the last 24 months – who demonstrates exceptional potential, inspires others, and drives positive change.
Catarina Macedo has turned her mother’s legacy into action, leading major awareness and fundraising initiatives, such as the Kingston Brain Tumour Walk and Grens Tackle Tumours, while inspiring her community through advocacy. Balancing her professional career and family life, she continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership and dedication, qualities that make her a deserving recipient of the Emerging Leader Award.