Olivia, Lucas and Kai Lassam, of Victoria, B.C., are the recipients of our David Kelly Award for Community Service. Their mother, Morgan Lassam, has provided a response on their behalf.

What inspired you to start volunteering?

My daughter, Olivia, was first diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly after her seventh birthday. She was sent to BC Children’s Hospital to have emergency surgery to resect her tumour in 2019 when my sons, Lucas and Kai, were four and one years old.

After an extensive 10-hour surgery, Olivia developed posterior fossa syndrome and has spent the years following relearning to walk, speak, swallow and regain her independence. Olivia did 70 weeks of chemotherapy in 2022 and has recently started on a clinical trial this year.

While Olivia has shown remarkable courage, it also shines a light on the unwavering support from her siblings Lucas and Kai, who have walked this path alongside Olivia from day one. They’ve cheered her on at treatments, adjusted their own lives to make space for her and stood proudly as her biggest advocates.

The support has gone beyond our family walls. Together, they have poured their energy into their community, raising awareness, volunteering and giving back in ways that reflect the strength of their bond. Their quiet sacrifices remind us that service grows from the love of a family determined to make a difference.

Volunteers often “wear many hats.” What hats have you worn as a volunteer and can you share how and when you got involved?

In 2022, the kids teamed up with a rider from Cops for Cancer, Chris Van Swieten of the Victoria Police Department and together, they held a small lemonade stand that raised around $3,000. The following year, they teamed up again with Chris and riders from Tour de Rock and they raised $16,000. In 2024, again they worked hard to make the event special with the help of Tour de Rock, Chris and their grandmother, Shirley Vickers, and raised over $42,000 with a lemonade stand, baking, activities and so much involvement from the emergency services personnel in Greater Victoria.

Olivia, Lucas and Kai have made it a mission to give back to the communities that have helped support us during difficult times.

Tour de Rock raises money for pediatric cancer research, as well as supports Camp Goodtimes, which is a medically supervised camp for children and their families affected by cancer. The kids go every year and have very fond and special memories of their time there.

Their dedication is a reflection of their resilience, but also the unity, compassion and dedication that they have shown. They remind us that when one child faces a challenge, the whole family becomes part of the fight, and in their case, part of the solution for the broader community as well.

It is important to us as a family that there is funding to support pediatric cancer research as it remains one of the most underfunded causes for cancer research.

With Brain Cancer Awareness Day and Hats for Hope in mind, what message of hope would you share with others in the brain tumour community?

We know how heavy and uncertain the journey with a brain tumour can feel. Our family has walked this road, too, and we want anyone to know that they are not alone. Even on the hardest days, hope can be found in the small moments. Healing might look different for each person, but courage, compassion and connection can carry us forward. From our hearts to yours, keep believing in brighter days.