This February, as we mark Valentine’s Day, we’re sending love to every member of our community. This special edition of our newsletter celebrates the many forms of love that carry us through a brain tumour journey, from stories of hope and resilience, to the compassion of volunteers and caregivers, and the strength found in community events that bring us together. | |
From ultramarathons through the Swiss Alps to skydiving, scuba diving and earning his pilot’s license on a whim, Kyle Wills has built a life around pushing limits. Now, he is taking on his most daunting challenge yet: rowing nearly 4,800 kilometres solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
What began as a relentless pursuit of adventure became deeply personal after his lifelong best friend was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Fueled by a “just go for it” mindset, a goal to fundraise for Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and Sickkids, and a hope for better treatments and cures, Kyle’s story is one of courage, friendship and purpose.
Read more
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Ewen and Kendall’s story is one of love, resilience and hope, shaped by an unexpected brain tumour diagnosis early in their life together. After emergency surgery and treatment in 2017, Ewen returned to his RCMP career while Kendall pursued nursing.
Read Ewen and Kendall's story
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Albert Pisani’s story is one of resilience and determination, shaped by a second cancer diagnosis after years of recovery. After successful sarcoma surgery in 2020, new symptoms led to a glioblastoma diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
Read Albert's story
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Do you know an EXCEPTIONAL volunteer who deserves to be celebrated? Our Volunteer Awards celebrate these extraordinary individuals and teams, recognizing their leadership, advocacy and commitment to improving the lives of those affected by brain tumours.
Our Volunteer Awards are open to the public, and we welcome nominations from across the community. From support group facilitators and BrainWAVE volunteers, to Walk committee members and passionate advocates, every volunteer makes a lasting difference.
Submit your nominations
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February is a time to celebrate love, kindness and connection. As the backbone of our community, our volunteers show compassion and generosity, ensuring no one affected by a brain tumour feels alone. This month, we are proud to spotlight a few remarkable individuals whose dedication made a lasting impact.
Read article
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Walk volunteers are at the heart of our national fundraising events, helping raise awareness and support for those affected by brain tumours. Whether as organizing committee members or event day volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do these important awareness and fundraising initiatives without our volunteers!
Become a Walk volunteer
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We are proud to announce the launch of our Elevation Research Grants, designed to support innovative research focused on glioblastoma, the most common and most aggressive malignant primary brain tumour, affecting four out of every 100,000 people in Canada.
These grants are open to outstanding researchers pursuing basic, clinical, translational or population-based studies in neuro-oncology, with a strong emphasis on originality, collaboration and meaningful impact for patients and families affected by brain tumours.
Learn more and apply
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Congratulations to our 2025 research
grant recipients!
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Dr. Nobre’s work focuses on pediatric low-grade gliomas, the most common brain tumours in children. Her research will explore FGFR genetic changes to better understand how these tumours grow and respond to treatment, with the goal of developing more effective therapies with fewer long-term side effects.
Learn more about project
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Dr. Andrew Beharry’s work focuses on low-grade gliomas, a common type of brain tumour. His research will develop a fluorescent photosensitizer to guide real-time tumour imaging and treatment, aiming to distinguish cancerous from healthy tissue, improve surgical precision, reduce recurrence and enhance patient outcomes.
Learn more about project
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The Caregiver Corner offers resources, support and guidance for those caring for a loved one with a brain tumour. It provides practical advice, emotional support and tools to help caregivers navigate their journey while prioritizing their own well-being.
Learn more
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Thank you to Dr. Kyle Malone, Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Ottawa, for an engaging webinar exploring the complex biology and persistent challenges that make glioblastoma so difficult to treat. The session highlighted why advancing this understanding is key to improving future care.
Watch webinar recording
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Join us online on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 12 p.m. EST for The power of sound: Focused ultrasound in brain cancer, presented by Dr. Nir Lipsman. This webinar will explore how focused ultrasound is emerging as a promising, non-invasive approach to addressing the challenges of treating brain cancers.
Register for webinar
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We are grateful to Daniela Ruscetta and her family for hosting the 3rd annual Love on the Brain Gala in memory of her mom, Susan. Taking place on February 21 in Vaughan, Ont., the masquerade ball will be an elegant evening of connection, remembrance and celebration, honouring Susan’s love of dancing and bringing people together.
Purchase tickets
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A new clinical trial is bringing hope to families facing the most aggressive brain cancers in babies. The DECRYPT-BABYBRAIN trial unites leading pediatric centres coast to coast to explore a radiation-free treatment for infants and young children with rare embryonal brain tumours.
Read article
| | A heartfelt thank you to Servier, our national Brain Tumour Walk sponsor! Their partnership amplifies every step taken by our community champions, fueling advocacy, critical research, trusted information, compassionate support services and life-changing education. Together, we are walking with hope toward a future without brain tumours. | | Registration is officially OPEN for the 2026 Brain Tumour Walk! | | |
Every year, thousands of people throughout Canada participate for deeply personal reasons:
💙 To honour a loved one
💙 To remember someone deeply missed
💙 To stand with someone newly diagnosed
💙 To support a child or family navigating the unknown
💙 To connect with others who truly understand
💙 To bring hope where it is needed most
Every story is different. Every “why” matters. Register today and be part of a movement built on hope and action.
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Awareness/Important Dates:
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February 15: International Childhood Cancer Day
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February 28: Rare Disease Day
Upcoming Events:
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