This month, we're highlighting stories from individuals affected by non-malignant brain tumours. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is committed to supporting everyone impacted by a brain tumour, whether malignant, non-malignant, or metastatic, because every journey matters. For any questions or comments, please contact us. | | |
Amber Gunderson began experiencing severe headaches at age seven, which were misdiagnosed for years. At 14, she was finally diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery, followed by a long recovery. Despite setbacks, she rebuilt her life, became a pipefitter, and a mom of four.
Read Amber's story
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Kayla Krahn was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2022 after experiencing migraines, vision issues, and numbness. Following surgery and recovery, she faced a recurrence in 2024 and completed radiation treatment.
With the support of her family and a community of fellow survivors, Kayla continues to move forward.
Read Kayla'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 second video, we’re honoured to share the story of Layne Hellrung, a brain tumour survivor and is now training to swim the English Channel. His story focuses on experiencing your feelings, taking a deep breath, making a plan, and acting on that plan.
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Congratulations to Alice Marentette, the winner of our Summer 50/50 Ontario Raffle! Alice won half of the $8,505 jackpot and chose to donate $1,000 back to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada in memory of her brother Lachie, who passed away from glioblastoma.
Read more
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Our Holiday Card Art Contest continues! Children and teens from our brain tumour community are invited to share their vision of hope through art. We’re looking for a drawing or painting that reflects what hope means to them: something bright, meaningful, and perfect for the cover of our 2025 holiday cards.
Read contest details
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Applications are now open for our 2025 Brain Tumour Research Grant. This year, we invite proposals focused on low-grade gliomas or other rare brain tumours, with priority given to research examining risk factors, access to care, quality of life, or patient outcomes.
Learn more
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We are excited to share that Dr. Federico Gaiti, our 2023 Feature Grant recipient, is featured in the latest publication of the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). His work continues to make important contributions to the brain tumour research community.
Read the publication
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Join us for our upcoming webinar, "Navigating cognitive symptoms in individuals with brain tumours," presented by Dr. Angela Sekely on September 24 at 12 p.m.
This session will explore common cognitive symptoms experienced by individuals affected by a brain tumour, including difficulties with memory, attention, and communication.
Register for the webinar
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In this episode of our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, Ann, a devoted mother and patient advocate, joins host Ben to talk about the power of hope. Together, they explore how it goes beyond optimism, becoming a mindset that can be built, practised, and reclaimed during life’s most difficult moments.
Listen to podcast episode
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At Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, our work is made stronger by partnerships rooted in compassion and shared purpose.
Thank you to Servier for being our National Sponsor of the Brain Tumour Walk. Their ongoing support plays a vital role in helping us deliver hope, education, and connection to brain tumour patients and families nationwide.
Learn more
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We are pleased to announce Dr. Ana Nikolic as the recipient of our 2025 Elevation Research Grant, generously funded by DUNN with Cancer.
Dr. Nikolic, Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute, has been awarded $100,000 for her innovative project, "Charting the Landscape of Cellular Quiescence in Adult IDH-Wildtype Glioblastoma (GBM)".
Learn more
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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a non-malignant brain tumour, our non-malignant brain tumour handbook offers clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way.
This free resource includes practical information about diagnosis, treatment options, and everyday living to help you feel informed and supported.
Learn more
| | Ben Seewald was just 18 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour, a life-changing moment that led him to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Years later, he's come full circle, now working as a support services specialist helping families, children, and youth navigate their own diagnoses. | | Every step taken and every dollar raised through the Brain Tumour Walk go far beyond funding research. It ensures we can continue delivering vital programs to those who need them most: families navigating a diagnosis, children in treatment, and individuals seeking connection, information, and hope. | | | | |
Awareness Dates:
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September 1-30: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Upcoming Events:
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