Volunteering can be the start of something much bigger.

For Joanna Pierazzo, a connection to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada in its formative years has come full circle, inspiring her to encourage the next generation of health-care professionals to get involved.

Pierazzo, assistant dean and associate professor in McMaster University’s undergraduate nursing programs, began her nursing career in neurosurgery. She worked closely with the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s (BTFC’s) cofounders, Dr. Rolando Del Maestro and Pam Del Maestro, during the organization’s early years. She later served as a nurse practitioner caring for patients with brain tumours, an experience that continues to shape her work in nursing education.

Today, Pierazzo shares BTFC’s volunteer opportunities with thousands of McMaster University nursing students, encouraging them to support people affected by brain tumours and discover the value of community involvement.

Her story shows how volunteering can be more than an opportunity to gain experience. It can inspire a lasting commitment to service and advocacy.

Students throughout Canada are stepping up

That same spirit of involvement is reflected in students across Canada, who are bringing their knowledge, compassion and experiences to volunteer roles that support people affected by brain tumours, from facilitating support groups to helping plan community fundraising events.

Heer Jani, a biology co-op student at the University of Ottawa, is preparing to volunteer as a convenor with Ottawa’s support group. Through her work with residents in long-term care, she has gained experience fostering social connections and helping people feel included. She hopes to bring this empathy and care to people affected by brain tumours.

Charuta Sahasrabudhe, a medical student in the Vancouver-Fraser Medical Program, is involved with Vancouver’s Brain Tumour Walk planning committee. Inspired by her family’s experience with a brain tumour diagnosis, she hopes to support the event through communication, outreach and participant engagement, helping bring people together around a cause that is personal to her.

Amy Banks, a doctoral student at the University of Calgary working in brain tumour research, volunteers as a local support group convenor and with the Calgary Brain Tumour Walk. Drawing on previous community volunteering experience, she is especially interested in connecting her research with the perspectives of people who have been directly affected by brain tumours.

Julia Hird, a biopsychology student at the University of Alberta with a strong interest in neuroscience and brain health, serves on Edmonton’s Brain Tumour Walk planning committee. Inspired by the loss of a friend to a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, she is passionate about raising awareness and supporting the brain tumour community.

Ann Maria Kurian, a medical sciences student at Brock University, is volunteering with the Durham Region support group. Her experience supporting children and vulnerable populations, along with training in empathetic and trauma-informed communication, will help her contribute to a welcoming, supportive environment for participants.

These students are among the many volunteers who contribute their time and skills to support people affected by brain tumours. Whether they are facilitating connections, assisting with community events or supporting participants, each plays a part in strengthening the brain tumour community.

Ready to make a difference? Explore volunteer opportunities on our website or contact our coordinator of volunteer resources, Mary O’Neill, at volunteers@braintumour.ca.