On June 21, Western University will host the first-ever Concert for Courage, an evening of music with a purpose.

For Lorraine Lewis, one of the event’s driving forces, Concert for Courage is a continuation of a journey that began with her daughter Nicole’s brain tumour diagnosis in 2000.

“When Nicole was diagnosed, I just wanted to do something to fight this,” Lorraine says.

That “something” became a series of fundraisers called Rigatoni for Research. With the help of many dedicated friends, eight gala events were held from 2006 to 2017, raising close to $200,000 for pediatric brain tumour research and education awards.

Now, eight years later, they’re back with a fresh vision and renewed energy.

This time, the fundraising takes the form of a Tragically Hip tribute concert by Grace, 2, a band passionate about supporting causes close to the late Tragically Hip frontman’s heart. Gord Downie led the Tragically Hip until his death in 2017 from glioblastoma.

Lorraine had the chance to meet Grace, 2 recently, and see them perform.

“They give a great show,” she says. “They really are a great party band with an authentic sound.”

Behind the music is a deeper mission, with the goal of raising funds to develop an up-and-coming Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada initiative called Beyond the WAVE. This program will be geared towards young adults navigating life after a pediatric brain tumour diagnosis.

“So many of the kids from our original event are now young adults,” Lorraine says. “They’ve grown up and they still need support, especially socially. That’s what Nicole needs, too.”

Nicole’s story is remarkable. Diagnosed with medulloblastoma at the age of three, she faced complications that left her unable to speak or move for over a year.

“Her whole body just shut down,” Lorraine shares. “She had facial paralysis and mutism, strabismus, mobility challenges. She’s been through so much.”

Today, Nicole is a 25-year survivor. She uses a walker, lives independently, and volunteers with young children after earning her Early Childhood Education diploma. Her resilience is part of what makes this event so meaningful.

“She’s coming to the concert,” Lorraine says, “and we really hope we can get other young survivors to join us.”

Beyond the WAVE will build on Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s BrainWAVE program, which offers meaningful opportunities for children and families. Beyond the WAVE intends to focus on older teens and twenty-somethings, who need a different kind of connection that reflects where they are now, socially and emotionally.

And what better place to hold a fundraising event for this new program than The Wave at Western University, a space symbolic of motion, energy, and community.

Tickets for Concert for Courage are $50 for general admission, with premium booth options ranging from $75 to $100, which include a drink and snack. All proceeds will go towards developing Beyond the WAVE and its mission to uplift young adult brain tumour survivors.

“We want people to come out and enjoy themselves,” Lorraine says, “and show these young adult survivors that we’re here for every stage of their journey.”