Ross Miller’s connection to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is a personal one, having lost his beloved wife, Cheryl, to glioblastoma in 2023. He has been a steadfast supporter in Cheryl’s memory, giving generously with his funds, his time and his talent.

An avid woodworker and former military flight engineer, Ross handcrafted a stunning wood toboggan that was auctioned at the 2024 Concert for the Kids. In 2025, he wanted to extend the same act of kindness by gifting a toboggan to a family in the brain tumour community.

Sharing stories

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada helped connect him with Danielle Boyle and her children, Naomi and Austin, who lost their husband and dad, Andrew, in 2022 after a 10-year battle with brain cancer.

Originally diagnosed with a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma in October 2012, Andrew had surgery that debulked most of his tumour, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Come spring 2021, Andrew’s tumour showed growth. He had another surgery, followed again by chemotherapy and radiation.

“Unfortunately, this time was too much,” Danielle says. “The fight was futile. He lost his battle a year later.”

Andrew was 41, while their kids were 10 and seven.

“When we showed up at Mr. Miller’s place to acquire the toboggan, he had no idea what our story was,” Danielle says. “We exchanged stories and we have developed a wonderful friendship where my kids now almost look at him like a grandfather.”

The Boyle family was touched to receive such a meaningful gift, especially knowing how much work goes into each handcrafted sled.

Handcrafted to perfection

Selecting the right wood is essential. Ross used maple in his early days, but now builds his toboggans out of ash.

“You have to use good wood,” Ross says. “If it has any knots, it will split every time you bend it.”

The process is detailed and time intensive. Ross cuts the wood in his unheated garage, then moves it to his basement for the next phases during colder weather. The boards are shaped by heating them in boiling water and attaching them to a frame. Each toboggan is assembled with 86 screws, all affixed by hand, and using soap to prevent cracking. Next comes three coats of stain and three coats of varnish, for a piece that is as durable as it is beautiful.

A labour of love

Danielle and her children couldn’t be more grateful. They are eagerly watching the forecast, waiting for the first real snowfall so they can take the toboggan out—with Ross standing on the hill to watch them enjoy his creation.

“It’s a labour of love,” Danielle says. “It’s something that’s very special to us.”

Their friendship has inspired even more creativity. Ross recently built Danielle a table to hold a cherished cribbage board that has been in her family for generations.

He continues to keep busy with new projects, including a cedar chest and a decorative Christmas tree.

Honouring Cheryl’s memory

Woodworking isn’t the only way Ross honours Cheryl. He has returned to square dancing, an activity they loved doing together. He’s also taken over her tradition of making elaborate homemade gingerbread houses, complete with lights, an ice rink and candy-lined paths that their grandchildren look forward to each year.

He even tried another adventure recently: skydiving.

There is no shortage of energy or generosity in Ross’s life, and his dedication to helping others has made an everlasting impact.

On behalf of our team at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, thank you, Ross, for honouring our community with your gifts and for the legacy you continue to build in Cheryl’s memory. Your compassion and commitment inspire all of us.