Celebrating Young Voices and Volunteer Hearts | April shines a light on the power of community and the importance of supporting young people and caregivers affected by brain tumours. During Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week and National Volunteer Week, we recognize the strength of young patients and survivors, and the incredible volunteers whose compassion and dedication help move hope forward. |
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Voices of Young Adult Brain Tumour Survivors: Stories of Strength and Resilience | |
Digital storytelling brings personal experiences to life by combining narrative with multimedia elements such as images, text, audio, video and music. For the fourth year, a group of young adult brain tumour survivors from our community took part in a storytelling workshop led by Mike Lang, where they transformed their journeys into powerful digital stories.
Our first story presenter is brain tumour survivor, Annalee. Earlier this year, Annalee received a life-altering diagnosis: a rare juvenile glioneuronal brain tumour, something rarely seen in someone in their mid-thirties. Since then, her journey has been one of reflection, resilience and learning to live with uncertainty.
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After a series of unexpected medical events, Dave Cowan’s life changed in ways he never could have imagined. What began as a medication reaction led to a misdiagnosis and ultimately, a CT scan that revealed a brain tumour just in time to save his vision.
Read Dave's story
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Diagnosed with a brain tumour at 25, Justin Doyle has navigated life’s unexpected challenges with resilience and determination. After experiencing a sudden seizure, he underwent radiation and complex brain surgery that reshaped his mobility and daily life.
Read Justin's story
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Congratulations to Sherry Campbell, our 50/50 Winter Ontario Raffle winner! Sherry won half the jackpot, taking home an incredible $6,779 from a total jackpot of $13,558, with 27,378 tickets sold.
The other half of the jackpot will help fund critical research and compassionate support programs for those impacted by brain tumours and bring hope to our community.
We look forward to sharing Sherry’s story soon. Our next 50/50 raffle launches on April 6, 2026, stay tuned!
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Young people who have experienced a brain tumour often face changes in friendships and social connections after treatment. A new pan-Canadian research project is working to better understand these experiences and develop supports that truly reflect the needs of young survivors and their families.
Led by researchers Leandra Desjardins (CHU Sainte-Justine), Fiona Schulte (Alberta Children’s Hospital) and Maru Barrera (SickKids), this study aims to create a new social resource designed with input directly from young people and their parents.
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The Youth Education Award program supports young adult survivors of pediatric brain tumours in pursuing post-secondary education, helping reduce barriers and recognize their resilience, determination and courage. Eligible applicants are invited to submit their applications by May 1.
Learn more
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After facing a metastatic brain tumour and awake brain surgery, photographer Steve Carty reflects on his recovery and the lessons learned along the way. He shares how optimism, spirituality and self-advocacy played a central role in navigating treatment and recovery.
Listen to podcast
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A NEW virtual brain tumour support group for the Wellington & Waterloo Region is launching on April 22 at 6:30 p.m. EST. Held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, the group welcomes patients, survivors and caregivers over 18 to share experiences, connect and find support.
Register for group
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Montreal families with a child affected by a brain tumour are invited to join us for a special afternoon at BoulZeye.
Enjoy bowling, arcade games and the chance to connect with other GOcervo families in a fun and welcoming environment.
Register for event
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On March 20, we had the honour of joining the University of Windsor's Cognitive, Behavioural & Neuroscience Student Association's Gala, Ivy & Ivory: The Mind in Bloom.
We are grateful to the CBNSA students for selecting Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada as their charity partner and for bringing together future neuroscience leaders who are passionate about brain health.
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The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) is seeking patients, caregivers, and health care professionals to share quotes about their experiences with the Canadian health-care system.
Your quote will be considered for inclusion in an upcoming report on the state of the health system, with a focus on electronic health information and digital health.
Learn more
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Meet Ben Seewald, support services specialist at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. A brain tumour survivor himself, Ben has been part of the community for nearly 30 years, contributing as a staff member, volunteer, donor and advocate. Today, he supports children, young adults and families navigating a diagnosis, while also amplifying community voices as host of the Beyond Brain Tumours podcast and helping foster connection through programs and events like the Brain Tumour Walk.
Learn more about Ben
| National Volunteer Week, taking place April 19 to 25, is an opportunity to recognize our volunteers whose compassion and dedication help move hope forward. | |
After his daughter Sarah passed away from a brain tumour, Russell Smith chose to turn his family’s experience into a powerful commitment to giving back. From volunteering at events to taking on leadership roles on our Board of Directors, his journey demonstrates how volunteering can create healing, connection, and meaningful impact.
Read more
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Since 2023, Anaïs Boyer has dedicated her time to volunteering, motivated by connection and compassion. She believes even small acts of kindness can bring hope to others.
Read article
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Since 2025, Brenda Wassick has been volunteering, inspired by her personal experience supporting her husband through brain cancer. She finds meaning in connecting with others on similar journeys.
Read article
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Since 2015, David Robertson has been giving back after his own brain tumour diagnosis. He finds meaning in connecting with families and offering hope to those navigating treatment.
Read article
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As a thank you for your incredible fundraising efforts, you can earn exclusive Brain Tumour Walk gear and incentives that celebrate your impact.
With every dollar, you make it possible for crucial research to progress, trusted education to spread, compassionate support to continue and advocacy efforts to persist. Register today to receive our colourful #EndBrainTumours bandana!
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Awareness/Important Dates:
- April 1-30: Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Awareness Month
- April 7: National Caregiver Day
- April 19-25: National Volunteer Week
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April 6-July 2: Ontario Spring 50-50 Raffle
Upcoming Events:
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