Camila Muñoz-Gomes, of Winnipeg, Man., is a recipient of our Emerging Leader Award.

This award recognizes passionate and dedicated individuals who are making a meaningful impact through leadership, innovation and service. It celebrates rising leaders—volunteers who have joined within the past 24 months—who demonstrate exceptional potential, inspire others and drive positive change.  

Can you share your connection to the brain tumour community?  

I was diagnosed with a brain tumour on December 15, 2022, and had surgery on February 6, 2023. I went through 30 rounds of radiation from April to May and then found out about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada from a very close friend of mine.  

I began attending groups, and I also attended the Brain Tumour Walk that year. From there, I found out about volunteering and became the 2025 ambassador for the Winnipeg Brain Tumour Walk. I’ve been very involved ever since. 

As this year’s theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘Ignite Volunteerism,’ award winners were asked to answer the following questions with this theme in mind. 

What sparked your decision to volunteer with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada? 

I love to help where I can and I want to make a difference! 

Can you share a remarkable or stand-out volunteering moment? 

I was honoured to be the ambassador for the Winnipeg Brain Tumour Walk in 2025. It was such a joy! 

What message would you share to help ignite volunteerism in others this year? 

Like a great friend of mine used to say, “Buy the dang tickets!” Do everything you can while you still can, even if that ‘something’ is to volunteer. Enjoy the little moments in the chaos of planning, organizing and prepping, and make lasting friendships along the way.