What inspired you to start volunteering? 

A friend was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and she had so many treatments and surgeries. It was scary. There were times when I feared that she would not survive.

She survived and thrived. When she talked about wanting to help out with facilitating the support group, I offered to help. That was 2003 and Lesley-Ann and I continued to run the support group for the next 21 years with lots of help along the way.

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

I attended some Brain Tumour Walks, a golf fundraiser in support of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and co-hosted awareness events at local libraries and community centres. I presented at Hearth Place in Oshawa, Ont.

What is your fondest memory of volunteering? 

My best memories are always ones that involve a person with a new diagnosis finding their way to our support group. A new member would arrive at our meeting for the first time looking nervous and unsure, not knowing what to expect. Our members would listen and share with them, and by the time the meeting was at an end, they would be reassured they had found people who truly understood what they were going through. Some fear had faded into the background, and some hope had fought its way in.

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? 

You can handle more than you think you can.

Find your trusted group of family and friends and talk about your hopes and plans along with your worries and fears.

Spend far less of your energy on “have-tos” and “shoulds” and far more of your energy on wants and joys.