Saron Nigusie, of Toronto, Ont., 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?

My journey with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada over the last couple of years has been shaped by the incredible people I’ve met in our GTA support groups. While I have always been interested in brain health and quality of life, I’ve come to understand that medical treatment is only one part of a much larger journey. Transitioning from a convenor to a facilitator has shown me how much happens in the day-to-day reality outside of a clinical setting.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that no matter how isolating your circumstances may feel, you are never truly alone. There is always someone who resonates with your journey and often, simply knowing that someone else understands makes the weight of everything feel more manageable. Without fail, I learn something new in every meeting, and I consider it a privilege and a pleasure to continue to be a part of this community.

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 have always been interested in supporting families navigating health challenges. I chose Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada because it supports not just patients, but caregivers as well. For me, it’s about showing up consistently and contributing in a meaningful way.

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

My favourite moments are the quiet ones where members take the lead. I’ve realized that my role is not to be the loudest voice, but to create space for others to find their own voice. The most meaningful sessions happen when someone feels ready to share a concern they’ve been carrying, which often opens up similar reflections from others who recognize shared experiences. In those moments, there is a sense of relief in the room as people realize they are not alone. Hearing someone say, “I’m so glad I found this group,” stays with me as a reminder of why this space matters.

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

My best advice is to start. Many people feel they need to be fully qualified to make a difference, but there is always a way to contribute. Trust that the skills you have are enough to begin, and that the rest will come with time and experience. Do not let the fear of not feeling good enough stop you from showing up, which is something I still work through myself. When you put yourself out there with a genuine desire to help, you often find a community that is more than willing to meet you halfway.