Congratulations to our 2025 Cup of Hope champions!
We’re deeply thankful to everyone who took part in the 2025 Brain Tumour Walk. Whether you walked, fundraised, volunteered or cheered from the sidelines, you helped bring hope to families across the country.
A special congratulations goes out to our top team and individual fundraisers, who are this year’s Cup of Hope champions! We’d also like to recognize the exceptional efforts of our top 10 team and individual fundraisers, and everyone person who gave, fundraised or spread the word. Your dedication and heart continue to inspire our entire community.
2025 top individual fundraisers
1. Individual Cup of Hope champion | Bailey Miller – $23,201 (Winnipeg Brain Tumour Walk)
At just six years old, Bailey was diagnosed with epilepsy, and an MRI revealed a brain lesion that gradually grew over time. After a sudden brain tumour hemorrhage following Christmas 2024, she underwent emergency surgery and spent weeks in the hospital. Despite doctors’ concerns about potential brain damage, Bailey made a remarkable recovery thanks to her strength and the exceptional care she received at The Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg.
Now in Grade 11, Bailey is an honour roll student, a competitive dancer and an inspiration to everyone around her. This year marked her first Brain Tumour Walk, where she proudly surpassed her fundraising goal by 55 per cent and raised an incredible $23,201!
What inspired you to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk?
I was inspired to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk after experiencing a brain tumour hemorrhage in late 2024. My diagnosis suddenly became a lot more serious, and I wanted to find a way to make a difference and meet other people affected by brain tumours. I discovered the important work Brain Tumour Foundation is doing and wanted to be a part of it.
What does being named a top 10 fundraiser mean to you?
Being a top 10 fundraiser has been an amazing experience. It has allowed me to have a positive impact on the lives of people affected by this disease and gain a sense of control over my situation. It shows how a community of people can work together to achieve great things. Over 150 people donated to my fundraiser and it has felt wonderful to know that so many people are supporting me in my journey.
2. Stacy Hagen – $20,246.25 (Community Brain Tumour Walk)
Stacy is the captain of Team Saber’s Tumour Tamers, which is also a top fundraising team!
Stacy and Teresa Hagen, along with their team, hosted a fun night out in support of the Brain Tumour Walk. Cocktails, supper, dancing, live music and a silent auction rounded out their Party for a Cure! in Lethbridge, Alta.
A dedicated Brain Tumour Walk participant since 2021, raising more than $76,000 overall, Stacy continues to inspire others through his commitment to the cause and his passion for making a difference.
What inspired you to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk?
We wanted to host a fundraiser because we wanted to give back. We have been treated so well since Stacy’s diagnosis in 2020. People have done so much that we felt it was only fitting to raise money and pay it forward. Stacy really wanted to have a fundraiser because he wanted to see many different people—a lot of people that he had not talked to in a long time. It turned out so well and we had so much fun with 200 people!
What does being named a top 10 fundraiser mean to you?
We are very proud of our fundraising accomplishments!
3. Dave Fleischer – $17,100 (Community Brain Tumour Walk)
Last year, Dave and his dog, Jerry, walked 55 km through the month of June, in honour of Dave’s 55 years of life. This year, Dave took it up a notch, cycling 560 km (“without Jerry and keeping the age theme going,” he notes).
Through his determination and sense of humour, Dave reminds us that every kilometre counts and every effort brings us closer to a cure.
4. Lucas Nugteren – $11,527.25 (London Brain Tumour Walk)
What inspired you to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk?
On March 21, 2025, my life changed completely. I experienced status epilepticus—a series of grand mal seizures that became a medical emergency. I was rushed to the hospital and after CT scans and MRIs, doctors discovered a large tumour in my right frontal temporal lobe. I had a brain craniotomy after my MRI to remove the tumour.
A few weeks later, I was diagnosed with a grade 3 oligodendroglioma, a rare type of brain tumour. That moment marked the beginning of a journey I never expected to take, one filled with uncertainty, resilience and gratitude for the incredible medical teams, family and friends who have supported me. As well, I’ve found comfort and strength in my faith.
Raising funds for the Brain Tumour Walk is my way of giving back, to support the research, care, and hope that make a difference for every person and family affected by brain tumours.
What does being named a top 10 fundraiser mean to you?
I never expected to be in the top 10. My goal was simply to share my story, as someone living with brain cancer, and to help raise awareness and funds for future research so that one day we might find a cure for these diseases.
Being named a top fundraiser is really a reflection of the incredible support I’ve received from my family, friends, and community. It reminds me that I’m not in this alone, and that so many people care about making a difference.
So while it’s an honour to be in the top 10, this recognition truly belongs to everyone who donated, shared my story and stood behind this cause. Together, we’re helping move brain tumour research forward and bringing hope to others.
5. Allan Ferguson – $11,068.50 (Ottawa Brain Tumour Walk)
“We are walking for Mia and for a cure!” Allan, who served as captain for Team Mia, writes on his fundraising page. “Mia was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2020. She underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy while completing her degree at Mount Allison. Independent and strong, Mia maintained her friendships, worked and volunteered. She passed on her own terms in 2023. A gifted photographer and painter, she is missed every day by those that love her and her wonderful spirit.”
6. Brenda Scott – $10,620.50 (Calgary Brain Tumour Walk)
What inspired you to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk?
I was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2024 and underwent an emergency craniotomy within three days. I was so fortunate to have the incredible support of our health-care system—from surgery to recovery and now rehabilitation.
I wanted to give back where I can to thank everyone who helped save my life. I still have two more tumours and I hope I never have to face surgery again, but if I do, it’s fundraisers like this that support the research and learning that make life-saving care possible. I hope my fundraising efforts help others facing the same kind of challenge.
What does being named a top 10 fundraiser mean to you?
It’s such a great feeling knowing I was able to contribute so much to this cause. It was made possible thanks to my company, Equinox Engineering Ltd., for matching donations dollar for dollar—it really shows the amazing support I have from my workplace, friends, and family. Together, we’re helping fund research and support for everyone affected by brain tumours, and that means the world to me.
7. Andrea Frossard – $8,683.75 (London Brain Tumour Walk)
What inspired you to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk?
My mom was diagnosed with a brain tumour in late 2012. The Brain Tumour handbook provided to us in the hospital at that time by Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada was incredibly helpful, so I started to get involved with the Brain Tumour Walk starting in 2013. I’ve walked and volunteered with the Brain Tumour Walks ever since then. My mom and my four children have also been very involved over the years.
Unfortunately, we lost my mom in 2019 to a second, more aggressive brain tumour. My mom taught me the importance of giving back, so I fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk in memory of my mom and with the hopes that I can make a difference in the lives of others impacted by brain tumours.
What does being named a top 10 fundraiser mean to you?
Of course, it’s nice to be named a top 10 fundraiser, but for me it’s more about raising money to support Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada so that hopefully, with more research, other families won’t have to go through losing someone that they love.
Note from BTFC: Andrea has been a member of the London Walk Committee since 2023. Thank you, Andrea, for all you do!
8. Janelle Hamilton – $8,546.79 (Ottawa Brain Tumour Walk)
What inspired you to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk?
My father is battling brain cancer and our family wanted to do something meaningful to support him while also giving back to others facing similar challenges. Fundraising for the Brain Tumour Walk became a way to channel our love and hope into something meaningful—a way to support our father and other families navigating this difficult journey.
What does being named a top 10 fundraiser mean to you?
Being named a top 10 fundraiser means so much to me and my family. It’s a reflection of the incredible support we’ve received from friends, colleagues, and our community—all united by the hope of better outcomes for those living with brain tumours. It feels rewarding to know that our efforts in honour of my father are helping others, too.
9. Anne Albert – $8,265 (London Brain Tumour Walk)
What inspired you to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk?
I wanted to give back. I was gifted a weekend away at a brain tumour retreat at the Elmhurst Inn in 2024 while I was going through my 
cancer treatments. I met others who shared similar challenges and I felt deeply understood for the first time. I was surrounded by people who truly “got it.” It gave me strength, hope and a sense of community that I’ll never forget.
At that time, I didn’t know where I would be in a year since I was being treated for a malignant glioma. There was so much uncertainty. But, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful—something that would make a difference, not just for me, but for others walking a similar path.
The Brain Tumour Walk became that opportunity. It’s my way of giving back to the community that lifted me up, raising awareness and showing that even in the face of the unknown, we can come together, support each other and create hope.
What does being named a top 10 fundraiser mean to you?
Being named one of the top fundraisers honestly took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting it at all. More than anything, it made me realize just how much good there is in our city. So many people came together with kindness and generosity, and that reminded me of the power of community and hope.
10. Hamza Riaz – $7,593.55 (Calgary Brain Tumour Walk)
“I am walking with and for my father,” Hamza writes on his fundraising page. “My dad, Amjad, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in March 2024. There have been many changes, two surgeries, chemo, radiation, and early retirement.”
“Donate to make it possible for more possibilities, more treatments, but most of all, more time we love,” he adds.
2025 top team fundraisers
1. Team Cup of Hope champion | Kingston Walk/Grens Tackle Tumours – $32,055.93 (Community Brain Tumour Walk)
Captain: Catarina Macedo (Catarina received our 2025 Emerging Leader Volunteer Award.)
The Kingston community has once again united in an incredible show of strength and compassion, with the Kingston Brain Tumour Walk/Grens Tackle Tumours team, championed by Catarina Macedo and her organizing committee, leading the way. This dedicated group helped advance research and care through local partnerships, raised vital funds and inspired hope for all those affected by brain tumours. The team surpassed its fundraising goal by 28 per cent and raised an incredible $32,055.93, becoming our top fundraising team in 2025!
Their commitment extends beyond the Walk, with initiatives like Kingston Comes Together for Brain Cancer: Partners of the IBTP, highlighting local organizations that support patients and families throughout their journey. From the Kingston Walk to the Dale Sands Memorial Grens Tackle Tumours football event, this team continues to bring people together, raise awareness and take powerful steps toward a future without brain tumours.
What inspired you to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk?
After my mom’s passing, I wanted to turn my grief into action. Fundraising for the Brain Tumour Walk became a way to support the Kingston brain tumour community, honour her memory and bring attention to the amazing health-care professionals and the supportive community who make such a difference for those affected.
What does being named a top 10 fundraiser mean to you?
Being named a top fundraising team is so fitting for Kingston, a generous and supportive community that always strives to make a positive impact on its members. I am incredibly grateful to have an amazing committee, all of whom are honouring their loved ones’ legacies, supporting those affected by brain tumours and committed to being part of this important movement.
A huge thank you to Ben Seewald, Sandy Mercer, Corinne Babiolakis, Heather Grant, Howard Jacobson, Aimee Easton, Rae-Anne Massett, our SUPERKID Walter, Alexandra Reyes-Walsh and the Kingston Grenadiers football family, Bill Welychka, Dr. Teresa Purzner, and the entire IBTP family. And to our day-of volunteers and the entire Kingston community—this award would not have been possible without all of you! I am truly honoured to be among such dedicated and compassionate people.
2. Team Dodge – $26,443.33 (Community Brain Tumour Walk)
Captain: Amy Dodge (Amy received our 2025 Volunteer of Distinction Trailblazer Award.)
What inspired you to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk?
Team Dodge was inspired by my dad, Dr. David Dodge, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in June 2023. He was a physician who dedicated his life to caring for others, and as an avid biker, participated in bike races to raise funds for cancer research. Watching his strength, compassion and determination throughout his life and journey with a brain tumour motivated us to carry that same spirit forward.
Fundraising for the Brain Tumour Walk has been a way for us to stand with the community that was walking beside us, and to continue his legacy of helping others.
What does being named a top 10 fundraiser mean to you?
Being named a top 10 fundraiser is incredibly meaningful to us. It is a reflection not just the efforts of our community, but of the love and generosity of everyone who has supported this cause in honour of my dad.
It reminds us that his impact continues to reach others and that, together, we’re making a difference for families facing brain tumours. It’s both humbling and motivating, and it encourages us to keep advocating and fundraising in his memory.
3. Team Bailey – $23,301.88 (Winnipeg Brain Tumour Walk)
Captain: Bailey Miller
Bailey Miller, our top individual fundraiser, is also the captain of the third-ranked team! Read more about Bailey’s efforts in this year’s Brain Tumour Walk above and read her story here.
4. Fozzy’s Fight – $20,745.77 (Community Brain Tumour Walk)
Captain: Jeff Foster
What inspired you to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk?
We started to fundraise five years ago after our son passed away from glioblastoma. During Nicholas’ year-and-a-half battle to fight this disease, we realized that we really had to advocate for ourselves. At that point we didn’t even know about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. We felt like we were in this all alone!
Sometime after Nicholas had passed, we decided to create Fozzy’s Fight to End Brain Tumors. Fozzy was Nicholas’ nickname. It started quite small and with loads of support with family, friends and our wonderful town, it became what it is today. We have raised over $90,000 for BTFC and still growing!
What does being named a top 10 fundraiser mean to you?
Being named top 10 fundraiser means a lot! It means that all the hard work we are doing is paying off. We have actually seen what some of our funds have gone towards.
We will continue our fundraising and hopefully someday, there won’t be any people like our Nicholas that will have to lose their lives due to this horrible disease.
5. Saber’s Tumour Tamers – $20,646.25 (Community Brain Tumour Walk)
Captain: Stacy Hagen
Led by team captain Stacy, our second-ranked individual fundraiser, Saber’s Tumour Tamers have proudly participated in the Brain Tumour Walk since 2021 and hosted a fundraising event, Party for a Cure!, in 2025. This dedicated Lethbridge, Alta. team continues to inspire through their energy, creativity and community spirit.
6. Idaho – $17,714.25 (Community Brain Tumour Walk)
Captain: Dave Fleischer
Idaho, led by team captain Dave , continues to find creative ways to make a difference for the brain tumour community.
Together, the team rallied behind Dave as he cycled an incredible 560 km to mark his 56th year, a challenge that celebrated not only his milestone but the strength and commitment of the entire team.
7. Yippee Happy Liveliness – $17,005.75 (Ottawa Brain Tumour Walk)
Captain: Erin Larocque
What inspired you to fundraise for the Brain Tumour Walk?
I have participated in the walk since 2017, when my older brother Chris was diagnosed with glioblastoma. He passed away in 2019 and each year his family, friends, neighbours and colleagues come together to walk in his honour and memory.
Chris was larger than life—in stature (six-foot-six), personality and his impact on others. He was most at home in the outdoors, 
pushing his limits while camping, portaging, cycling or playing ultimate frisbee. He made the most of every moment he had. Throughout his journey with cancer, his unwavering strength, courage, positivity and refrain of “let’s do this” inspired those around him. Above all else, Chris adored his family, and he was an amazing example to his three sons.
Every year, I walk so that one day there will be a cure, and one day, families don’t have to say goodbye far too soon.
What does being named a top 10 fundraiser mean to you?
I am so grateful to the community of people who come together to support our family and raise money for this cause. It’s especially impactful and impressive as our team doesn’t have any corporate sponsors—we are a top 10 fundraising team through the power of many individuals. Chris always loved a friendly competition, and I know he would be proud of us.
8. Dirty Gerty – $16,956.70 (London Brain Tumour Walk)
Captain: Melissa Siroen
Dirty Gerty, a team led by captain Melissa Siroen, more than doubled its original fundraising goal of $8,000!
Congratulations to Team Dirty Gerty on their hard work and incredible accomplishment!
9. March for Mary – $16,297( Toronto GTA Brain Tumour Walk)
Captains: Danny and Josie Palmateer
March for Mary, a team led by captains Danny and Josie Palmateer, rallied 33 members with 190 donations to exceed their fundraising goal!
10. A.N. Warrior – $16,271.75 (Community Brain Tumour Walk)
Captain: Mike Patenaude
Team A.N. Warrior, led by captain Mike Patenaude, hosted an endurance race in La Prairie, Que. Participants were challenged to do as many seven-km laps as possible over a maximum 12-hour period, with Mike posing his own challenge to run 80 km this year—up from the 60 km he ran last year.
“In October 2020, shortly after running my 19th marathon, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour called a vestibular schwannoma (VS)/acoustic neuroma (AN),” Mike writes on his fundraising page. “In February 2021, I had surgery to remove the tumour … although the procedure went smoothly, I was left with many of the symptoms which often arise as a result of the surgery. That being said, I am extremely grateful for my situation.”
He expresses his sincere gratitude for the support he’s received.
“Most of you have already done so much for my family and myself,” he continues. “For that, I will never be able to thank you enough. I will forever be grateful and in debt towards all of you, friends, family and colleagues.”