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Volunteer of Distinction Award
Volunteer of Distinction Award Recipients:
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Volunteer of Distinction Awards.
Amy Dodge
I was inspired to start volunteering with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada by my father, Dr. David Dodge. My father was diagnosed with glioblastoma in June 2023, and it is for him that we created Team Dodge. Throughout his life, my father dedicated himself to serving others, both as a physician and through his participation in bike races to raise funds for cancer research. Read more about Amy Dodge here.
Patrick Bélec
I was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma at the age of 18, as I was beginning my studies in nursing. I needed three surgeries and 30 radiation treatments, all within six months. The following year, I joined the Sudbury support group. I wanted to meet others who had lived experiences similar to mine and seek support, as well as support them in the best way I could. Read more about Patrick Bélec here.
Steve Shore
The support group provided a good resource for information and community for my wife, Susan, and for me. Susan passed away from her tumour 10 years ago. I kept attending the group until COVID-19 prevented the in-person group meetings. After COVID-19, Jamille and Sarah asked me to join them to resurrect the in-person group in Saskatoon. Read more about Steve Shore here.
Jamille McLeod
I joined a support group when my husband was diagnosed in 2013. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 42. During that time, I leaned heavily on the friends I met through the group and the incredible encouragement and support I received during such a difficult period. Read more about Jamille McLeod here.
Sarah Vick
My husband has been my inspiration to volunteer with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2007. Shortly afterward, we met Kathy and Charlie, who ran the support group at the time. They were a tremendous source of encouragement for both of us. My husband passed away in 2017 and I continue to volunteer, knowing the importance of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and knowing firsthand the impact it can have. Read more about Sarah Vick here.
Cindy Wilson
A friend was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and she had so many treatments and surgeries. It was scary. There were times when I feared that she would not survive. She survived and thrived. When she talked about wanting to help out with facilitating the support group, I offered to help. Read more about Cindy Wilson here.
Leslie-Ann Senior
I started out at the Ajax support group as a participant when it began running in 1997, after my sixth craniotomy. I was reluctant to participate, to say the least. But, the support and help I received was so valuable that it was beyond my expectations. I also made many lasting friends. Read more about Leslie-Ann Senior here.
Previous recipients:
2023:
Stéphanie Morissette, Mary Rawlings, Stu Rawlings
2022:
Shreya Gandhi, Visale Balarajah, Yasmina Mashmoushi and Elizabeth Gyuk
2021:
Alicia Grace, Jaclyn Cross, Cindy Wilson and Kathy Gélinas
2020:
Myriam Boucher-Pinard, Éloïse Carré, Dee Ferlisi, Sandra Lisi and Dayna Magnuson
2019:
Danielle Barclay, Arlette Boghonskhan, Michele Bliss and Hazel Neely
2018:
Pablo Coffey, Greg Taylor and Christina Hagberg, Kelley Weatherby, and Michèle Tirlemont
2017:
Rachel Brown, Claire Snyman, Diane McFarlane and Rick Bradt.
2016:
Chris Wynder, Janet Hempler, Karen Metcalfe and Natalie Edwards.
2015:
Diana Schurer, Denis Raymond, and one further nominee who has chosen to remain anonymous.
2014:
David Kelly, Diane McAuley, and Siobhan Taylor.
2013:
Keith Anderson, Janice Laberge, Dr. Arjun Sahgal, and Karen Vickers.
2012:
Brian Montag, Claudette Brown, and Heather McKeigan.
2011:
Kathy Thornton and Jacqueline Huff, Jenn Quinn, Agnes Chick, Christa Kingsley, and Joline LeBlanc.
2010:
Ingrid Exner, Danielle Griffiths, Mike Kennedy, Lori and Stephen Wilson.
2009:
Robin Bateman, Claudine LePage, Melissa Martin, and Crystal Tellett.
2008:
Theresa Acchione, Dave D’Entremont, Margaret Dodgson, and Marianna Hope.