For the past six years, DUNN with Cancer has supported glioblastoma research across Canada while honouring a daughter, sister and friend.

Allison Dunn has often been described as “feisty and the kindest person you will ever meet.”

Throughout her life, she embraced people and communities. Whether it was in India setting up literature programs for women and children or serving as the community services director at House of Friendship in Kitchener, Ont. she enriched the lives of others, often giving them hope.

In 2020, the young mother of three was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma. Devastated by her diagnosis, Allison’s family planned a fundraiser in her honour to create a movement of hope for others living the same journey.

A run made sense, as Allison and many family members were runners. While the family hoped Allison could attend the first event scheduled for September, sadly she passed away just four months after her diagnosis. Heartbroken, the family pushed on and with the support of nearly 60 friends and volunteers, the first DUNN with Cancer event was held in September 2020. More than 200 people participated, coming together to raise $200,000.

By 2025, the movement had grown beyond everyone’s expectations with more than 450 people participating in two walks, having fun at a kids’ event and enjoying a barbecue throughout the day.

“This is a true family event creating awareness and raising support,” says Wayne Dunn, Allison’s father. “And it’s not just about our family.

It’s about families across the region who have gone through had their own experience with glioblastoma. Seeing everyone come out every year is very gratifying.”

To date, the annual event has raised more than $1.6 million in support of glioblastoma research across Canada. Proceeds from the 2025 event were designated to support two Allison Dunn Elevation Grants in GBM research, one research Fellowship and two feature grants. In total, $400,000 in proceeds were directed to support five researchers including Drs. Ying Meng, Kevin Wang, Rober Abdo, Seth Climans and Stephen Yip.

“I’m quite proud of what we, as a group, have done,” says Dunn. “Our family and friends organize the event each year. We couldn’t do it without them and with everyone who attends.”

Looking ahead, the Dunn family hopes to continue investing in groundbreaking research to improve the lives of people diagnosed with glioblastoma.

“I hope that in my lifetime, we’ll see some major advancements,” says Dunn. “We will continue to advance this movement of hope in Allison’s honour.”