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

“I first became aware of the Foundation in December 2015 when my youngest brother was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. I discovered the information handbooks and then I took part in the Vancouver Brain Tumour Walk in June 2016, followed by my first Conference that fall. I was so touched and inspired by the wonderful people I met, learned from, and shared stories with at the Conference; staff, volunteers, medical professionals, and many brain tumour survivors. I felt so compelled to be a part of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s “family” and wanted to help out in any way I could.

I’ve experienced so many positive aspects in volunteering, but I guess my two favorites would be meeting, spending time with, and getting to know so many brain tumour survivors, from the amazing kids in the BrainWAVE BC group, to all ages of adults whom I have been so fortunate to network with.

As well, volunteering with an organization that is so instrumental in providing financial aid to sponsor researchers and research activities to find better treatments and ultimately a better prognosis for brain tumour patients is very important to me. Very sadly and tragically, my brother Neil passed away in March of 2016 just 3 1/2 months after his diagnosis. The pain of his loss is eased in someway to know that as a volunteer I can help out in my own way, no matter big or small, to one day soon witness the goal of vast improvements in the outcomes and quality of life for all patients with a brain tumour diagnosis.

That is what I would tell someone who is thinking about volunteering; being part of such a supportive, caring, dynamic group of people and being part of something so heartwarming and fulfilling, has brought so much enlightenment and reward to my life.”

This story was shared in April 2019 to celebrate National Volunteer Week.

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