Stories - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Courage Community Adult January 12, 2021

Hope and Determination Battling Glioblastoma – Rochelle’s Story

Rochelle’s world was turned upside down Good Friday, 2019 when she had a seizure while driving. Feeling dizzy and confused, […]

Blog Foundation December 28, 2020

Looking back on 2020, looking forward to 2021

If we could sum up 2020 in a single word at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, it’s perseverance… Okay, maybe […]

Foundation Adult December 16, 2020

Dispelling the Darkness – Daniel’s Story

Sometimes, it takes and outsider’s view to completely change a person’s perspective on life. For Daniel, it wasn’t the diagnosis, […]

People of Note Fundraising November 25, 2020

‘From Nowhere to You’ – UK Songwriter Rich Ragany releases charity single in honour of brother, George

From nowhere to you. London, UK-based singer/songwriter, Rich Ragany (Rich Ragany and the Digressions), is paying tribute to his brother […]

Adult November 24, 2020

Courage, Triumph and My Return to Golf – Mark’s Story

On a cool and cloudy early day in June, my friend Pete and I drove out to the Northern Bear […]

Volunteers People of Note November 16, 2020

2020 Health Care Professional Award – Dr. Arjun Sahgal of Toronto, ON

Dr. Arjun Sahgal has been involved with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada for more than 10 years. He is a […]

Volunteers November 16, 2020

2020 David Kelly Award – the Elliott-McKenzie family of Strathroy/Arkona, ON

It takes dedication and commitment to host an event that spreads hope for two decades, and the family of Katie […]

Volunteers Youth Awards November 16, 2020

2020 Outstanding Youth Volunteer – Andie McGugan of St Thomas, ON

Find a cause you love and dedicate your time and talents to it. That’s the advice from St. Thomas student […]

Volunteers Youth Awards November 16, 2020

2020 Outstanding Youth Volunteer – Mckenna Lumley of Windsor, ON

Few people hold the titles of author, spokesperson, philanthropist and businesswoman at the age of 15, but Mckenna Lumley of […]

Volunteers People of Note November 16, 2020

2020 Volunteer of Distinction – Dee Ferlisi and Sandra Lisi of Brampton, ON

When friends like Sandra Lisi and Dee Ferlisi come together for a great cause, their love and positivity always produce […]

Volunteers People of Note November 16, 2020

2020 Volunteer of Distinction – Myriam Boucher-Pinard

Since joining the Montreal Brain Tumour Walk Committee in 2018, Myriam Boucher-Pinard has become a leader in her own right, managing more […]

Volunteers Youth Awards November 16, 2020

2020 Outstanding Youth Volunteer – Isabella Coffey of Ottawa

From inspiring young volunteers to helping parents talk about brain tumours with their children, Isabella Coffey of Ottawa has become a leader […]

Volunteers People of Note November 16, 2020

2020 Volunteer of Distinction – Éloïse Carré – Montreal, QC

Le bénévolat fait partie de la vie d’Éloïse Carré. Infirmière et étudiante, elle apporte de la joie et du répit aux enfants et aux familles du Québec touchés par une tumeur cérébrale grâce à son implication dans le programme pédiatrique GOcervo depuis près de deux ans.

Volunteers People of Note November 16, 2020

2020 Volunteer of Distinction – Dayna Magnuson of Whitehorse

Dayna Magnuson opened up new territory, literally, for Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s Brain Tumour Walk program. Even as she […]

Community October 26, 2020

Wrestling with the Brain Eater – Gaetan’s Story

There is facing a brain tumour head-on, and then there is taking it to the mat in for an intense […]

People of Note Research October 21, 2020

From Grant Recipient to Game Changer – Branavan’s Story

Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge and a lot of curiosity to change the world. For Branavan Manoranjan, […]

People of Note Brain Tumour Walk Community Fundraising October 5, 2020

2020 Cup of Hope Winner – Kyleigh’s Story

In the Sault Ste. Marie home of Kyleigh Provenzano, the coveted Cup of Hope sits high on a shelf, safely […]

Courage Adult September 28, 2020

A Chance For Something New – Mani’s Story

If you were offered a brand new treatment for a brain tumour, would you take it? For Mani, the answer […]

Advocacy Community Fundraising September 22, 2020

Riding to End Brain Tumours – A Cousin’s Mission

In late summer, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada learned the story of Karen and her quest to cycle through the […]

Adult September 21, 2020

Raising an Army – Sam’s Story

Sam (Salvatore) Morana went from a brain tumour patient to an inspiring advocate in a short span, even while undergoing […]

Pediatric September 8, 2020

A Rainy Day in Whitehorse – Gabby’s Story

It’s another rainy day in a rainy summer in Whitehorse when Keira and her daughter Gabby speak with Brain Tumour […]

Blog Youth Awards Education August 24, 2020

Congratulations to our Youth Education Award Recipients

There are few feelings greater than seeing a pediatric brain tumour patient overcome their diagnosis and pursue their life goals. […]

Adult August 24, 2020

I’m Just Going to Say it… – Laura’s Story

“I’m just going to say it, and then we’ll deal with it.” These words will stick with me for the […]

Courage Adult August 18, 2020

Living with GBM – Sebastien’s Story

When I started getting headaches occasionally in May 2019, I assumed I must be getting dehydrated from my weekly intramural […]

Youth Awards August 17, 2020

Rosstin’s Story

2020 Youth Education Award Recipient Rosstin Saniei Thornhill, ON Pursuing a Degree in Biology York University Diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma […]

Youth Awards August 17, 2020

Katie’s Story

2020 Youth Education Award Recipient Katie Phipps (Mount Albert, ON) Pursuing Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western University Diagnosed […]

Youth Awards August 17, 2020

James’ Story

2020 Youth Education Award Recipient James Wang (Mississauga, ON) Pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Education at University […]

Youth Awards August 17, 2020

Carolyn’s Story

2020 Youth Education Award Recipient Carolyn Cowan (Toronto, ON) Pursuing degree in Early Childhood Education at George Brown College Diagnosed […]

Youth Awards August 17, 2020

Tobin’s Story

2020 Youth Education Award Recipient Tobin Haas (Brampton, ON) Pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing at University of Calgary Diagnosed with […]

Youth Awards August 17, 2020

Adam’s Story

2020 Youth Education Award Recipient Adam Pike (St. John’s, NL) Pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing at Memorial University of Newfoundland […]

Youth Awards August 17, 2020

Hope’s Story

2020 Youth Education Award Recipient Hope Edwards (Kelowna, BC) Pursuing a Bachelor of Sciences degree at University of British Columbia […]

Youth Awards August 17, 2020

Alissa’s Story

2020 Youth Education Award Recipient Alissa Lozhkin (Toronto, ON) Pursuing Computer Science at the University of Toronto Diagnosed with a […]

Blog Adult August 7, 2020

Getting Past the Anger – Aaron’s Story

My name is Aaron Allen. I’m a husband, a father of two and a country music singer songwriter. I […]

Courage Adult July 28, 2020

Finding hope in a pandemic – Felix’s story

I’ll never forget the moment I was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, the deadliest brain cancer in the world. I’ll never […]

Adult July 13, 2020

A Fresh Perspective – James’ Story

A lot can happen in 24 hours . Sometimes, it’s enough to completely change a person’s perspective on life. For […]

Courage People of Note Brain Tumour Walk June 15, 2020

My Story – By Kaitlyn Lawes

Hi everyone! My name is Kaitlyn Lawes. Some of you may “know” me from my curling career. For those who […]

Brain Tumour Walk Adult June 15, 2020

25th ‘Tumour-versary’ – Barb’s story

“Thank God it’s all in my head!” Barb Clark describes her brain tumour journey as “a comedy act.” If that’s […]

Brain Tumour Walk Adult June 15, 2020

From Survivor to Walk Convener – Liz’s Story

My name is Elizabeth Gyuk and I am a Brain Tumour Survivor! I have been coordinating the Belleville Brain Tumour […]

Brain Tumour Walk Adult Pediatric June 15, 2020

Laughing every day – Alicia’s Story

Alicia is now 20 years old. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just six months old, so having a brain tumour is her normal.

Courage Brain Tumour Walk Adult June 8, 2020

You never know how strong you are – Katie’s Story

It was Bob Marley who said, “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.” […]

Brain Tumour Walk Pediatric June 8, 2020

A Child’s Strength – Emme’s Story

Sometimes the youngest among us can possess the strength of giants. Emme is a perfect example. Diagnosed with a brain […]

Brain Tumour Walk Pediatric June 2, 2020

Overcoming Anxiety – Anne’s Story

A caregiver’s journey can be fraught with anxiousness and doubt… Especially when it’s a young child diagnosed with a brain […]

Blog Brain Tumour Walk Adult June 1, 2020

I’m Not a Superhero… Or Am I – Anna’s story

I was the type of person who persevered through all things and felt like I had super powers. I was […]

Courage Brain Tumour Walk Adult May 25, 2020

I Am a Stone – Abbey’s story

“WHAT?” “Yes!” “WHAT???” To say Abbey was surprised when her now-fiance Tom proposed to her at the 2019 Yellowknife Brain […]

Courage Brain Tumour Walk Adult May 25, 2020

Invest in yourself – James’ story

James has always been a fit man – physically and mentally. It’s just part of who he is.

Courage Advocacy Brain Tumour Walk Adult May 21, 2020

Helping Others Understand – Rubie’s Story

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is fortunate to have people like Rubie to share their stories and help raise awareness […]

Courage Adult May 19, 2020

Aspire, Adapt, Achieve – Joshua’s Story

Brain tumours can leave a person with a lifetime of side effects, even when they are removed. However, with the […]

Blog Courage People of Note Brain Tumour Walk Adult May 19, 2020

Something to talk about – Christine’s story

Chef Christine Tizzard is well known for her culinary innovation and vibrant recipes. In addition to her many television appearances, […]

Courage Brain Tumour Walk Adult May 11, 2020

It’s okay to not be okay – Laura’s story

It’s okay to not be okay. During tough times, we often forget to remind ourselves of this simple truth. This […]

Courage Brain Tumour Walk Adult May 1, 2020

Cancer as a catalyst – Jedro’s story

Grateful for a brain tumour? It’s not something that you’d expect to hear from anyone however, brain tumour survivor Jedro […]

Courage Brain Tumour Walk Adult May 1, 2020

Metamorphosis – Katt’s Story

Attending a brain tumour walk event was one of the best things for Katt Szedetzki as she recovered from her […]

Blog Volunteers General April 20, 2020

Happy National Volunteer Week!

Happy National Volunteer Week! Myself and all the staff here at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada would like to applaud […]

Volunteers April 17, 2020

Stu’s Volunteer Profile

Stu Rawlings is an active member of the brain tumour community and now helps to facilitate one of our virtual support groups. Read about his journey […]

Volunteers April 17, 2020

Kathryn’s Volunteer Profile

Kathryn Downton is going in to her fifth year volunteering with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada as the facilitator with the Fredericton support group, and spoke […]

Volunteers April 17, 2020

Janet’s Volunteer Profile

Janet Hempler is another survivor turned volunteer that we have the honour of working with in our Walk program. Hear her thoughts on what is means to […]

Fundraising Pediatric March 3, 2020

Remembering Félix-Antoine

Le 26 septembre dernier, le destin a fait en sorte que notre vie ne serait plus jamais la même. Nous avons appris que notre petit coco, Félix-Antoine, 4 ans, était atteint d'une tumeur cérébrale très agressive, un glioblastome.

Blog People of Note Education Research February 24, 2020

Taite Boomer’s legacy – the Brain Tumour Research Studentship

Taite Boomer was an ‘all-around Canadian kid’ who kept his friends close and exuded hope even throughout the most difficult […]

Courage Cause Marketing Adult February 4, 2020

Living and Fighting with Cushing’s Disease – Danielle’s Story

Danielle is a brain tumour survivor who first shared her story in 2015. Six years later, she has graciously provided […]

Community January 24, 2020

Stay Positive and Enjoy the Moment – Roberta’s Story

Four years ago, Roberta and her family did something truly adventurous. They sold their family home and bought a campground […]

Courage Pediatric January 17, 2020

Dig deep and find your grit – Brandon’s story

Any good hockey defenceman knows – when the puck’s in the corner, you can either wait for it to come […]

Pediatric December 18, 2019

Dustin’s Story

It was just a toddler taking a tumble down a couple of stairs. The doctors tried to reassure Mom that all was probably okay.

Adult December 6, 2019

Janet and Adam’s Story

Turning the same age, on the same day as my husband, never gets old. They call us, Astro-Twins.

Adult Hats October 29, 2019

Amber’s Story

I am a 43-year-old wife to John of 12 years and a very proud mom to Amelia 10, Matteo 6, and Joey 4. On March 13, 2019, my life changed.

Adult October 29, 2019

Joelle & Rob’s Story

In Sept 2004, my husband Rob was 30 yrs old and I was 8 months pregnant with our second child, days away from leaving work on maternity leave.

Adult September 5, 2019

Lawrence’s Story

Lawrence, a successful businessman, is not one to take a decline in memory lightly. Lawrence was in Winnipeg, at home on leave from his job in New York City when he had his first seizure.

Youth Awards August 29, 2019

Janica’s Story

I am the recipient of your award (Youth Education Award for Brain Tumour Survivors) from 2015.When I received the award, I had this to say.

Youth Awards August 20, 2019

Christine’s Story

As part of Yun Seo Park (Christine)'s application for a Youth Education Award in 2018, she submitted this essay on her experience.

Pediatric August 15, 2019

Amanda’s Story

My name is Amanda. I am 17 years old and a 13-year brain tumour and stroke survivor. I've been living with a physical disability as a result.

Youth Awards August 15, 2019

Will’s Story

Thanks to this generous scholarship, I now have the opportunity to make my career dream come true - Youth Education Award Recipient 2019

Youth Awards August 15, 2019

Mikaela’s Story

I have always wanted to pursue my passion of helping others, and this scholarship will truly help make that happen. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2019

Youth Awards August 15, 2019

Mitchell’s Story

With his award I will be able to pursue my dreams of being a teacher. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2019

Youth Awards August 15, 2019

Sasha’s Story

Receiving this award will go a long way towards achieving a huge goal of mine to attend university. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2019

Youth Awards August 15, 2019

Danny’s Story

Youth Education Award Recipient 2019 - Having brain cancer has helped shape me into the person I am today as well as who I want to be in the future, a pediatric oncologist.

Adult August 12, 2019

Piper’s Story

Hi, I am Piper Gilles. You may know me as a world-famous ice dancer. I competed in the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

Adult August 12, 2019

Aaron’s Story

In the summer of 2017, while at work, I had my first episode of what I would now call vertigo or double vision. Something I've never experienced before.

Youth Awards July 11, 2019

Lauryn’s Story

I am very honoured to be a recipient of the 2018 Brain Tumour Foundation Youth Education Award for Young Brain Tumour Survivors

Hats June 14, 2019

Robert Maurice Caya

July 24, 2015, our lives changed horribly forever when he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Mutiforme stage 4 just after retiring.

Adult April 24, 2019

Max’s Story

It’s been ten years since Max’s diagnosis of an anaplastic mixed glioma. Beating the 18-month expectation that the neurosurgeon had.

Volunteers Adult April 19, 2019

Hazel’s Volunteer Profile

Hazel has been volunteering with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada for almost three years. In her own words, she describes her volunteer story.

Volunteers Adult April 18, 2019

Andy’s Volunteer Profile

Andy is a doctor in Calgary who saw an opportunity through volunteering to support patients and his community. He expresses what that meant to him.

Volunteers Adult April 17, 2019

Diane’s Volunteer Profile

As a BrainWAVE and Brain Tumour Walk volunteer in British Columbia, Diane explained what it means to her to volunteer for Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

Volunteers Pediatric April 16, 2019

Mckenna’s Volunteer Profile

At only 14 years old, Mckenna is one of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s youngest volunteers. When asked about her role with us this is what she shared.

Volunteers Adult April 15, 2019

Kathy’s Volunteer Profile

“I am proud and happy to be part of the beautiful BrainWAVE / GOcervo family as a volunteer for Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada."

Adult April 9, 2019

Doug’s Adventure

Hi, my name is Doug, a current defending two-time world rowing champion. Here is just a small summary of my adventure last year.

Adult April 8, 2019

Sara’s Story

Sara’s brain tumour diagnosis came during Thanksgiving weekend 2014 when doctors discovered a golf-ball-sized tumour on her right frontal lobe.

Pediatric February 17, 2019

Kaiden and Tasha’s Story

“I wasn’t always a brain cancer mom, now that I am, I want everyone to know the signs, as all the symptoms were there, I just didn’t know what they were.”

Adult February 15, 2019

Yaron’s Story

This February 23, 2019, it will have been 15 years since I collapsed in a grand mal seizure and was subsequently diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GB).

Adult February 1, 2019

Lynn’s Story

Usually surrounded by friends and family, Lynn was alone when she heard the words: “I’m sorry to inform you… an abnormal lesion… aggressive”. A brain tumour.

Pediatric January 22, 2019

Avery’s Adventures

Its been five years since Avery was diagnosed with her unfriendly brain tumour, the Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma (JPA). What has happened since?

Adult December 28, 2018

Debbie’s Story

On January 31, 2012 I had a grand mal seizure while at work. I was admitted to hospital and found out the next day after my MRI that I had a brain tumour.

Adult November 20, 2018

Scott, my story so far

Brain tumours have different types and classifications. No two brain tumours are exactly the same and no two tumours cause the same issues.

Adult November 19, 2018

Tracey’s Story: Hope and Optimism

Headaches are like house guests. Some come and go. Others don’t want to leave; and become a real nuisance. Tracey’s headache lasted a full 6 months.

Pediatric November 1, 2018

Hayden’s Story

Eyes might be the window to the soul, but in Hayden’s case, they were telling her Mom that something was seriously wrong with her baby.

Adult October 30, 2018

Andrew’s story of being tough

What do you see when you look in the mirror? When Andrew’s friend looked at him, he saw an immensely tough person and wanted to let Andrew know.

Cause Marketing Adult October 26, 2018

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.

More Than Fifteen Years of Generous Gifts. Since our partnership began in 2002, A.M.A. Horticulture have given over $97,915 to support brain tumour research and the organization's patient services, and are determined to hit the $100,000 mark.

Hats October 4, 2018

Tyler Patterson

My son, Tyler, wore this hat almost every minute for 16 months from age 3 when he underwent weekly chemo for an inoperable, benign brainstem tumour.

Youth Awards August 21, 2018

Maxime’s Story

This award will help me fulfill my dreams and ease my university voyage. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2014

Youth Awards August 11, 2018

Maggie’s Story

I remember the day I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. It changed everything for me and my family. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2014

Youth Awards August 11, 2018

Emily’s Story

I am extremely proud and fortunate to have received this award. - Brain Tumour Youth Education Award Recipient 2014

Youth Awards August 10, 2018

Josh’s Story

Thanks to this award, I am one step closer to achieving my goal of proving that anything is possible and that there is life after cancer. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2018

Youth Awards August 10, 2018

Elisa’s Story

Art to me is a gift. I would love to share my gift of Art with others and help heal others with Art. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2018

Youth Awards August 10, 2018

Alberto’s Story

This will give me the opportunity to grow as a person, achieve a better quality of life, and some day give back. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2018

Youth Awards August 10, 2018

McKenna’s Story

Having brain cancer is hard personally as well as financially so having this Scholarship is a tremendous relief - Youth Education Award Recipient 2018

Youth Awards August 5, 2018

Stuart’s Story

This award will allow me to continue to pursue my dream of being a sports journalist while reducing the stress money can cause. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2017

Youth Awards August 5, 2018

Sarah’s Story

Thanks to this generous support, I will be launching my career debt-free, freeing me to give myself fully to the needs of my future students. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2017

Youth Awards August 5, 2018

Max’s Story

I’m a 19 year of student from South Western Ontario who never lets a minute go by without it being wasted. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2017

Youth Awards August 5, 2018

Harshil’s Story

This scholarship will help me focus on my career instead of thinking about how I will repay my student loans. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2017

Adult August 1, 2018

Anthony’s Story / Our Story

Sharing "our" story. It’s my friend Anthony's story, but I use "our" because when someone is diagnosed with a brain tumour, they don't go through it alone.

Adult May 17, 2018

Kate’s Mum’s Story

Thankfully, my mum’s Glioblastoma never returned. Each year she went from having MRI’s every few weeks, to every few months, to twice a year.

Adult Pediatric May 17, 2018

Debbie’s Story: A Family of Caregivers

Debbie's family have all had to care for each other, be it through brain tumours (both Mom and daughter), cancer, and physical disability.

Adult February 9, 2018

Patricia’s Story

Well here is my story, I hope some inspiration is found in it. My husband and I had finally moved into our dream house, can’t ever forget that happy day!

Adult February 7, 2018

Roy and the Gamma Knife – A Happy Tale

I had headaches, almost daily, for 10 years or more. It was a rare day if I did not have a headache. I used to joke that I should own stock in headache remedy companies.

Adult Pediatric January 11, 2018

Donna’s Story – Skating through life with a brain tumour

Donna’s brain tumour had probably been in her brain since she was 8 years old. It wasn’t discovered until she was 44 years old, when it was almost fatal.

Youth Awards October 2, 2017

Andrew’s Story

Having successfully battled a brain tumour, I have experienced firsthand the benefit that biomedical technology has in saving a person’s life and want to give back in that area.

Youth Awards September 17, 2017

Stephanie’s Story

My journey as a brain tumor survivor defines who I am today. - Youth Education Award for Brain Tumour Survivors recipient 2014

Youth Awards July 22, 2016

Shivani’s Story

This award will help me achieve my dream of becoming a pediatric nurse and giving back to the profession that impacted my journey as a brain tumor survivor greatly.

Youth Awards July 22, 2016

Matthew’s Story

Cancer knocks you down, but along the way I have had the hands of family, friends and total strangers to help me back up. Youth Education Award Recipient 2016

Youth Awards July 22, 2016

Lorissa’s Story

I feel my experience has given me the strength and courage to face many challenges as well as inspire me to become a nurse - Youth Education Award Recipient 2016

Youth Awards July 22, 2016

Jordan’s Story

I am very eager to embark on a new journey and begin my first year in the Bachelor of Commerce Program. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2016

Youth Awards July 22, 2016

Charlotte’s Story

I’m thrilled to have been accepted into the University of Toronto’s Life Sciences program. - Youth Education Award Recipient 2016

Pediatric February 3, 2016

Sevanah’s Story: Grace and Faith in the Midst of Tragedy

Sevanah was an active, normal six-year-old girl who loved singing, dancing her highland steps, creating artistic masterpieces, and writing and drawing her beloved monkey stories.

Youth Awards August 17, 2015

Danielle’s Story

As a brain tumour survivor, this award means the world to me. It will give me the chance to give back to the profession that impacted and improved my life.