Alice (Ruoxin) Deng, of Markham, Ont., is a recipient of our Volunteer of Distinction Team Award. 

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. 

Can you share your connection to the brain tumour community? 

My connection to the brain tumour community began following my mom’s diagnosis of a grade III ependymoma. At the time, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain, unsure of how to process what was happening or how best to support her. It was a period marked by fear, but also by a growing awareness of how essential a strong support network is. 

As we navigated appointments, treatments and the emotional weight of the diagnosis, I began to understand how isolating the experience can feel. Even when surrounded by others, it can be difficult to share what you are going through. What made a meaningful difference during that time were people who were willing to listen and be present. 

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? 

My experience as a caregiver for my mom shaped the way I understand support. I came to appreciate that meaningful support often comes through being present for someone during difficult moments. 

When I learned about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, I was drawn to the sense of community it creates. I wanted to contribute to that space and take on a more active role in supporting others who may be navigating similar uncertainty. 

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

Through volunteering, I have continued to grow in how I show up for others. As a facilitator for the young adult support group, I focus on creating an environment where participants feel comfortable sharing openly, knowing they will be heard without judgment. This experience has also been meaningful for me personally, as it has allowed me to stay connected to a community that understands these experiences in a way that others may not. 
 
One particularly meaningful aspect has been the mentorship and support I’ve received from my co-facilitator. Being guided and recognized in this role has helped me grow more confident in how I support others and contribute to the group. It has shown me that meaningful support is something we build together. 
 
Receiving this award is especially meaningful because it reflects that shared effort. It represents not just my contributions, but the collective care, trust and collaboration that make this space possible. 

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

Receiving this award was a genuine surprise for me, and it reminded me that meaningful contributions are often built through small, consistent efforts over time. 

If I were to share one message, it would be this: if there is a cause you care about, start where you are and keep showing up. Volunteering does not always look like big or visible actions. Often, it is simply about being present, listening, and contributing in whatever way you can. 

Over time, those small efforts build into something much larger. You grow, you form meaningful connections and you become part of a community that supports one another. In a world where it can sometimes feel easy to become disconnected, choosing to act with compassion and to treat others with care can make a real difference. Even small actions can have a lasting impact in ways we may not always see.