How advocacy is driving change for Canada’s brain tumour community | | |
At Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, advocacy means more than simply raising concerns. It involves working closely with health leaders, policymakers, researchers, and families to build a health-care system that truly understands the unique challenges faced by brain tumour patients. Together, we will continue pushing forward to create lasting change for everyone affected by this disease.
Throughout 2024, our team has been deeply engaged in projects, working groups, and government consultations, all with the goal of improving care, access, and quality of life for those affected by brain tumours. Explore a brief overview of our advocacy efforts from last year, many of which are continuing into 2025.
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When Bonnie Stocking met Erin Lovell, she knew she’d found someone special. Despite Erin’s ongoing battle with brain cancer, they built a life together and welcomed their child, Rolan, in 2015. Today, Bonnie honours Erin’s memory through advocacy and support.
Read Bonnie's story
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Alicia Grace Chenier was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2000 at just six months old. Since then, she’s had six surgeries, radiation, and ongoing health challenges. Now a filmmaker and disability advocate, she continues to share her journey and inspire others.
Read Alicia's story
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Just before his second birthday, Walter Massett was diagnosed with a large brain tumour that required urgent surgery. After months of rehab, he has made a remarkable recovery and now, at seven years old, actively raises awareness and inspires others.
Read Walter's story
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Digital storytelling combines the power of personal experience with multimedia elements, such as visuals, narration, and music, to bring stories to life in a deeply moving and impactful way. Now in its third edition, this special workshop, facilitated by filmmaker Mike Lang, brought together five young adult brain tumour survivors from our community to create their own digital stories: authentic, emotional reflections of resilience, hope, and identity.
In this first video, we’re honoured to share the story of Arianna Elder-Johnson, a brain tumour survivor and full-time university student from London, Ontario. Her story explores the strength it takes to stay focused and ambitious in the face of adversity.
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Calling all undergrads! The Pam and Rolando Del Maestro Family Undergraduate Student Research Competition is now accepting Letters of Intent.
This special opportunity provides undergraduate students the chance to present their research to leading experts in neuro-oncology, gain valuable feedback, strengthen their presentation and research skills, and connect with the broader brain tumour research community.
Learn more
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The Top 10 Research Priorities for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer in Canada have been announced!
The AYA Cancer Priority Setting Partnership team brought together patients, caregivers, clinicians and organizations to identify what matters most to young people affected by cancer.
Watch the video
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Missed our recent webinar on the basics of clinical trials? No problem! The recording is now available!
This informative session with Dr. Dawn Richards from Clinical Trials Ontario breaks it all down: what clinical trials are, why they matter, your rights as a participant and key questions to ask.
Watch the recording
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Join us on August 13, 2025, at 12 p.m. EST for an engaging webinar presented by Susannah Juteau, Registered Dietitian.
Discover simple, science-backed steps to nourish your brain, boost memory, support mood and improve focus, naturally. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your thinking, reduce brain fog, or simply feel your best, these practical nutrition tips will help you take care of your brain “one bite at a time”.
Learn more
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We’re proud to share that $300,000 has been awarded to support brain tumour and glioblastoma research in memory of Allison Dunn, thanks to the generous support of the DUNN with Cancer event.
This impactful investment includes a $100,000 Elevation Grant, a $100,000 Fellowship Grant, and renewed second-year funding for two Elevation Grant projects that are already underway.
Learn more
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Since 2014, Battle on the Beech has been more than a golf tournament. For founder and brain tumour survivor, Jason Kaszycki, it’s a way to give back, bring people together, and support those who need it most. This year’s tournament in Niagara Falls has already drawn 21 teams and continues to raise vital funds for brain tumour research, education, and support.
Learn more
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2025 Fellowship Grant
$100,000
Breaking the connection: disrupting tumour-blood vessel communication in medulloblastoma
Emma Martell
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
This project will explore how an aggressive childhood brain tumour, medulloblastoma, interacts with nearby blood vessels to support its growth. By studying how tumour-released glutamate affects these blood vessels, Dr. Martell and her team hope to find new ways to block this communication and slow the tumour’s progression.
Learn more
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2025 Fellowship Grant
$100,000
Immune cell profiling to distinguish true tumour growth from pseudoprogression in glioblastoma patients
Lauren Westhaver
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dalhousie University, Halifax
To improve diagnostic accuracy, Dr. Weshaver and a team of researchers are studying changes in the immune system over time in blood samples from patients. They hope to identify markers that distinguish true progression from pseudoprogression in glioblastoma patients.
Learn more
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Kristy Allen, a public health professional with a background in knowledge translation and community engagement, joined Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s Board of Directors and Advocacy Committee in May 2024. She has also been hosting our educational webinars, helping to share reliable information with the brain tumour community.
After her sister-in-law Michelle was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2023, Kristy turned to our organization for support and later offered her own expertise to help others. She continues to give back through her professional skills and personal experience, staying closely connected to the community.
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Help us reach our goal!
We're close to our $1 million goal, but we still need your help!
Did you know that a $27 donation, honouring the 27 Canadians diagnosed with a brain tumour each day, can provide Brain Tumour Handbooks to two newly diagnosed patients or their families? These trusted resources help people understand the patient experience and navigate the uncertainty of a diagnosis.
Make a donation to the Brain Tumour Walk today to help us reach our $1 million goal and provide essential support, trusted information, and critical funding for brain tumour research. Whether it's your first gift or an additional donation, your support can provide hope, guidance, and vital assistance where it's needed most. Let’s cross the finish line together!
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“During my journey, I received a patient handbook from BTFC at Princess Margaret Hospital, which provided me with essential information and comfort during a very confusing time. I realized how important it is to have trusted resources and support when facing a brain tumour diagnosis. This inspired me to give back and help others who are going through similar experiences.”
— Laura Thompson, Toronto Brain Tumour Walk ambassador
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Awareness Dates:
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July 16: Glioblastoma Awareness Day
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June 22: World Brain Day
Upcoming Events:
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