What inspired you to start volunteering? 

I became involved with the brain tumour community in Kingston after losing my mother, Rosa, to glioblastoma in 2020. Her passing shook my foundation and left me in a whirlwind of grief.  

Looking for support, I found Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s website. Inspired by my mom’s memory, strength and spirit, I wanted to honour her by supporting others who are walking a similar path. Volunteering with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada gave me a way to transform grief into action—raising awareness, building connections and working toward a future where no one has to face this disease alone. 

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

Since 2020, I’ve worn many hats as a volunteer.  

I help co-ordinate Kingston’s annual Brain Tumour Walk, which brings together survivors, caregivers and supporters to raise critical funds for research and patient programs.  

I also played a key role in this year’s Kingston Brain Tumour Awareness Week, which includes the Walk, the Grens Tackle Tumours charity football game, and the Integrated Brain Tumor Program (IBTP) partner campaign. Through IBTP, I work with local businesses to provide discounted hotel and restaurant rates for glioblastoma patients receiving treatment at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, helping ease the burden on families.  

In addition, I serve on IBTP’s Patient and Caregiver Advisory Group, where I share my lived experience to guide initiatives that better support patients and caregivers.  

Each role has allowed me to connect with people in different ways, but all of them share the same purpose—honouring my mom and standing with this community. 

What is your fondest memory of volunteering? 

My fondest memory is standing with the community at the Brain Tumour Walk—survivors, families, caregivers and friends all walking together with such strength and love. This year was especially meaningful because we were joined by a special guest from The Tragically Hip, who walked alongside the community in memory of Gord Downie.  

When Gord was diagnosed and played his final concert in Kingston, I was on a family vacation in Portugal and felt a deep need to stream the concert, not knowing that just a few years later my own family would face this fight. Over time, I’ve felt a strong connection to Gord—his courage, strength and authenticity resonate deeply with me.  

Seeing that same spirit reflected in our Walk was incredibly moving. Witnessing our community come together—celebrating hope while honouring those we’ve lost—reminds me why this work matters so deeply. In those moments, I feel my mother’s spirit the strongest, and it gives me strength to keep going.  

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? 

My message of hope is that you are never alone. Even in the hardest and most uncertain times, there is a community ready to support you, walk with you and lift you up. Every step we take together, through awareness, advocacy, fundraising and compassion, brings us closer to more treatments, more survivors and a brighter future. Hope lives in the connections we make and in the strength we share with one another. 

This award isn’t just for me—it’s for my mom, and for every family who has faced the heartbreak of a brain tumour diagnosis. I’m grateful to be part of such a passionate and supportive Kingston community, and I will continue to do everything I can to raise awareness, inspire hope and work toward a future where no one has to face this journey alone.