Michael Abrey, of Stittsville, 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?  

I am a brain cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2018. I have gone through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.  

Throughout my life, I always wanted to help people but never knew how or what I was going to do to achieve that.  

A short time after my surgery, I was introduced to a social worker to help me along my journey. They introduced me to support groups, from which I met some of the most amazing people and had experiences I never thought I would have. Shortly after finishing treatments, I decided I wanted to become a social worker just like the one who helped me navigate and thrive post-treatments. 

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 want to volunteer and give my time back to the community that breaks down the barriers and isolation for individuals dealing with complex medical needs, such as a brain tumour, by building and fostering connection for people. 

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

The biggest moments for me would be the times of laughter and sharing of deep thoughts. Those moments are special because people are connecting with each other through the sharing of genuine emotions. 

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

BTFC is an organization that encourages outside-the-box thinking, is super supportive of your needs and will assist in creating or building existing programs that build on bringing the brain tumour community together.