Igniting impact: Celebrating our 2025 Volunteer Award recipients
Volunteers are the heart of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, bringing compassion, connection and support to those affected by a brain tumour. During National Volunteer Week, and in the spirit of this year’s theme, Ignite Volunteerism, we recognize individuals who are turning care into action by creating spaces of support, strengthening communities and advancing awareness and research. Our 2025 Volunteer Award recipients reflect the many ways volunteers make a meaningful impact, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.
Volunteer of Distinction Trailblazer Award: Sarah Blakely (Stittsville, Ont.)
This award celebrates a volunteer who exemplifies excellence as a trailblazer. Through their dedication, meaningful actions and groundbreaking contributions, the recipient of this award is paving the way for a brighter future for those affected by brain tumours.
After losing her brother, Bob, to glioblastoma in 2024, Sarah Blakely channelled her grief into action. Inspired by Bob’s strength, positivity and love of life, she continues to honour his memory by bringing people together and supporting others facing a diagnosis. From participating in the Brain Tumour Walk to leading initiatives like the Stittsville Front Porch Concerts, Sarah creates opportunities for connection, shared experiences and hope.
“Sarah is a powerful and compassionate community champion for the brain tumour community through her leadership of the annual Stittsville Front Porch Concerts. What began as a grassroots idea has grown into a vibrant community movement that brings neighbours together through music, connection and generosity. Each year, Sarah mobilizes local residents, musicians and businesses across Stittsville to transform their front porches, driveways and garages into stages for an evening of live music that fills the neighbourhood with life and hope.” – BTFC staff
Volunteer of Distinction Advocacy Award: Suzanne Dunbar (Vancouver, B.C.)
This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer who demonstrates exceptional passion, dedication and enthusiasm for brain tumour awareness. Recipients of this award are distinguished by their leadership and commitment to advocating for brain tumour health research and innovation in Canada.
Suzanne Dunbar’s journey within the brain tumour community began when her six-year-old son, Quinn, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. Following his passing in 2008 after a long and courageous journey, Suzanne chose to support other families walking a similar path. Through her work with BrainWAVE in B.C. and as a patient and parent advocate, Suzanne helps create spaces where families feel understood, cared for and less alone.
“Suzanne knows firsthand the needs, challenges and particular details of a parent navigating the treatments and unknowns of a pediatric brain tumour diagnosis. She is a tremendous resource for the B.C. BrainWAVE community and committee, speaking from her own lived experience, and her professional training and background. Her natural advocacy, care and attention to the children, parents and families affected by a brain tumour is exceptional, making all attendees feel taken care of and comfortable.” – BTFC staff
Volunteer of Distinction Team Award: Michael Abrey (Stittsville, Ont.)
This award honours a team of dedicated individuals whose collective efforts have made a meaningful impact. It celebrates outstanding collaboration, commitment and service to the brain tumour community.
A brain cancer survivor diagnosed in 2018, Michael Abrey’s journey through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy led him to the very community he now helps strengthen. Inspired by the support he received along the way, he is driven to give back by fostering connection and breaking down isolation for others facing a brain tumour diagnosis. Through his volunteer work, Michael values the moments of honest conversation and laughter that bring people together, reflecting his belief in the importance of community and the profound difference it can make.
“Michael serves as a dedicated volunteer facilitator, helping to create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for participants. As a survivor himself, he brings authenticity, empathy and credibility to the role. He actively supported me as a new volunteer by helping me onboard, understand the group dynamics and feel comfortable in my responsibilities. His consistent presence and willingness to share his own experiences contribute to the quality and continuity of the program.” – Alice (Ruoxin) Deng
Volunteer of Distinction Team Award: Alice (Ruoxin) Deng (Markham, Ont.)
When Alice (Ruoxin) Deng’s mother was diagnosed with a grade III ependymoma, she came to understand the challenges of caregiving and the importance of compassionate support. Inspired by the impact of simply being present, Alice now helps create safe, welcoming spaces as a young adult support group facilitator, where participants can share openly and feel heard. Through her volunteer work, she continues to foster connection and care, reflecting her belief that even small, consistent acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
“Alice is charismatic, kind, reflective and eager to learn. She has brought many new connections through her empathy, making members feel heard and comfortable.” – Michael Abrey
Volunteer of Distinction Legacy of Service Award: Janet Hempler (Spruce Grove, Alta.)
This award recognizes a volunteer with a longstanding commitment to the brain tumour community. It recognizes those whose dedication, leadership and service have created lasting positive change and leave behind a powerful legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
Following Janet Hempler’s diagnosis of an oligodendroglioma in 2015, she turned to community for support—an experience that would later shape her volunteer journey. What began with attending a support group evolved into a leadership role as a facilitator and a long-standing involvement with the Edmonton Brain Tumour Walk. Over the years, she has used her experience to guide and support others, bringing empathy, leadership and a deep sense of purpose to her work within the community.
“Janet is an inspiring individual—unafraid to ask for support on behalf of the brain tumour community and always willing to help others because she has walked in their shoes. She gets it!” – Dr. Faith Davis, Chair of the Board of Directors, BTFC
David Kelly Award for Community Service: Sharad Singh and Brad Matsugu (Kitchener, Ont.)
The David Kelly Award for Community Service is awarded annually to an individual or group that exemplifies the true spirit of community service in support of Canada’s brain tumour community. This award recognizes contributions that go above and beyond the traditional scope of service.
Sharad Singh and Brad Matsugu have made a lasting impact on the brain tumour community by turning personal loss into a powerful force for change. Following the passing of Jay Kumar, a passionate young basketball player, they recognized the need for increased funding in pediatric brain tumour research and responded by creating the Kumar Classic, an annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament held in his honour. Over the past 13 years, the event has grown into one of the largest of its kind in Ontario, bringing together thousands of participants and supporters each year. Through their leadership, dedication and ongoing commitment to sharing Jay’s story, they have raised critical funds, strengthened community awareness and inspired others to come together in support of research and families affected by brain tumours.
“Sharad and Brad have raised over $20,000 for pediatric research. With the loss of a child being so tragic, they have inspired their community with hope and the belief you can make a difference in someone else’s life. They motivate others to be part of something bigger, as 13 years after the loss of their nephew and team member, the event continues to grow.” – BTFC staff
Learn more about Sharad and Brad
Health-Care Professional Award: Dr. Faith Davis (Edmonton, Alta.)
This award recognizes a health-care professional who has demonstrated exemplary and compassionate care for the brain tumour community. It honours someone who has gone above and beyond in patient care, research or support services, making a lasting impact on those we serve.
Dr. Faith Davis has made a significant impact on the brain tumour community through her leadership in research and her commitment to improving outcomes for those affected by the disease. As Chair of the Board of Directors at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, she plays a key role in guiding the organization’s work while continuing to advance population-level understanding and strengthen systems for data, collaboration and research across Canada. Through her involvement, she helps bridge the gap between research and lived experience, contributing to a community grounded in empathy, support and shared purpose. Her efforts continue to drive progress while strengthening the connections that support people through every stage of the brain tumour journey.
“Dr. Davis’s leadership and dedication help guide our supports, strengthen collaboration and ensure we can reach those who need us most.” – BTFC staff
Emerging Leader Award: Camila Muñoz-Gomes (Winnipeg, Man.)
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.
Camila Muñoz-Gomes is an emerging leader whose connection to the brain tumour community began with her own diagnosis in 2022. Following surgery and treatment, she found support through Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and quickly became an active and engaged member of the community. Inspired to give back, Camila took on a leadership role as the 2025 ambassador for the Winnipeg Brain Tumour Walk and is now part of the 2026 Winnipeg Brain Tumour Walk committee, where she brings energy, compassion and a desire to help others.
“Camila has been an enthusiastic supporter, willing to help however necessary and bringing her ideas to the table. She consistently advocates for the brain tumour community and goes above and beyond to make a difference.” – BTFC staff
Emerging Leader Award: Saron Nigusie (Toronto, Ont.)
Saron Nigusie has made a meaningful impact within the brain tumour community through their leadership of the GTA Brain Tumour Support Group. Stepping into a facilitator role during a time of transition, they have helped maintain consistency and connection by ensuring regular meetings continue, sharing thoughtful summaries and resources, and creating space for members to stay engaged, even when they are unable to attend. Through a responsive and compassionate approach, Saron has strengthened the group experience by adapting meeting formats, encouraging open feedback and fostering a supportive environment where members feel heard, informed and connected.
“I’ve had the opportunity to connect with this individual several times in their role supporting the GTA Support Group, and I’ve consistently seen a thoughtful and dedicated approach to their work. Their commitment to maintaining consistency, communication and a supportive environment for group members is clear. They demonstrate a willingness to adapt based on feedback and prioritize the needs of the community, which is an important strength in this role.” – BTFC staff