BrainWAVE is an ongoing source of connection, hope and family-centred fun for Liam Caballero and his family.

Standing at the top of the waterslide, Liam Caballero felt equal parts trepidation and excitement. But the thrill of the ride took over and didn’t fail to deliver as he splashed into the water. And in that moment and for that afternoon, he says he felt just like a regular kid again.

Liam was one of 21 children and family members who enjoyed an afternoon in the summer of 2025 at Big Splash Water Park as part of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s (BTFC) BrainWAVE.

BrainWAVE, which features family-centred meetings and events, is an integral part of BTFC’s paediatric support program and just one of the many Foundation offerings.

The goal of the Foundation’s programs and services is to meet people and their families affected by brain tumours exactly where they are with compassion and information.

From one-to-one support and in-person and virtual group meetings, to providing handbooks, in-class teaching tools and special events, the Foundation strives to provide resources, tools and connections for people.

Ann Margaret, Liam’s mother, says she first encountered BTFC just two weeks after his surgery. She was looking for answers to her many questions, information about resources and support groups.

The Paediatric Brain Tumour Handbook, the children’s book, A Friend in Hope, and the many online links, gave them what they needed and more at that time.

“The Foundation gave us information, hope and feeling less like we were alone,” says Ann Margaret.

At the time, Liam was only four years old, and his family was living in Bahrain. He was flown to the Philippines for surgery and treatment. The next year, they
moved to Canada and participated in their first BrainWAVE meeting.

For Liam, BrainWAVE means fun and spending time with friends.

“Because of BTFC, I get to play, laugh and dream big,” he says. For Ann Margaret and the rest of the Caballero family, the program means community.

“We were so worried that we wouldn’t be able to connect with other families who were experiencing the same challenges we were,” says Ann Margaret. “But through BrainWAVE, we learned that we weren’t alone, and at the same time we also are able to inspire other families who haven’t reached the same level of recovery.”

Now 12 years of age, Liam is giving back for the support he receives. In 2026, he was the Community Champion at the Vancouver Brain Tumour Walk, inspiring a crowd of more than 200 people and encouraging them to walk with courage, kindness and hope.