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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honour the courage of children and teens facing the unimaginable reality of a brain tumour diagnosis.
Brain tumours are now the leading cause of cancer death in children under 20. While many children survive, too many will have to live with life-altering side effects. Behind every statistic is a child’s story, filled with hope and the need for better treatments and brighter futures.
At Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, we stand with families affected by pediatric brain tumours. Our mission is to bring hope and support through resources and community connections.
Learn more about our pediatric programs and resources.
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Brain tumours affect the whole family. For siblings of children with brain tumours, it can be a very trying and emotional experience. The Sibling Support Project helps kids make sense of their feelings and of their sibling’s diagnosis.
Learn more
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Our Pediatric Brain Tumour Handbook is a trusted guide that offers clear information and support for parents and caregivers navigating a child’s brain tumour diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Order handbook
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Our beautifully illustrated children’s storybook, A Friend in Hope, offers comfort and understanding to children affected by a brain tumour, touching on experiences like hospital visits, being away from school, and coping with hair loss.
Order storybook
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At age seven, the day before his birthday, Massimo MacFarlane was diagnosed with a brain tumour after doctors discovered dangerous pressure in his brain. Since then, Massimo has faced challenges with treatment, school, and daily life, yet he continues to adapt with resilience and support.
Read Massimo's story
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Seven-year-old Emmett Undseth’s pillow fight with his brother led to the discovery of a brain tumour the size of a softball. After multiple surgeries, doctors removed most of it, and he now travels weekly for chemotherapy. Through it all, Emmett’s strength and sense of humour inspire his family and everyone around him.
Read Emmett's story
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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.
Explore common cognitive symptoms experienced by brain tumour patients, including difficulties with memory, attention, and communication.
Register for webinar
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BrainWAVE is a program for families with a child or teen diagnosed with a brain tumour. The program offers connection, support and information through fun activities like sporting events, museum visits and more. BrainWAVE provides families with a much-needed break from medical appointments and treatments.
Learn more
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Digital storytelling combines the power of personal experience with multimedia elements to bring stories to life in a deeply moving and impactful way.
In this third video, we’re honoured to share the story of Maggie Smith-Salzl, a brain tumour survivor. Her digital story focuses on resilience and hope.
Watch her story
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In 2018, Luke Phillips was diagnosed with a grade two astrocytoma, leading to several surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy. With the support of his family, he turned his journey into an opportunity to help others. Luke joined the B.C. BrainWAVE committee to support children and families affected by brain tumours and later helped secure a $23,310 donation from his company, creating a lasting impact for the community.
Read more
| | We are proud to announce the 2025 Feature Grant recipients, Dr. Deepak Dinakaran and Dr. Ian Lorimer, whose innovative glioblastoma research projects are generously funded by DUNN with Cancer. The annual DUNN with Cancer Run is taking place on September 21 in London, Ont. Learn more and register at DunnWithCancer.com. | | |
Dr. Deepak Dinakaran’s project explores a novel way to boost glioblastoma treatment by using radiation to trigger on-demand release of temozolomide from nanoparticles, enhancing its effectiveness while reducing toxicity. His work could pave the way for first-in-human trials at Sunnybrook’s Odette Cancer Centre.
Read more
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Dr. Ian Lorimer’s project is developing a novel glioblastoma therapy using genetically modified neural stem cells designed to selectively target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy brain tissue. This research will test the strategy in preclinical models with the goal of advancing to clinical trials.
Read more
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Join us online for the 2025 Pam and Rolando Del Maestro Family Undergraduate Student Research Competition on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11 a.m.!
Don't miss your chance to hear innovative research proposals from promising undergraduate students and explore emerging ideas in neuro-oncology and brain tumour science.
Register for the event
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Fall is in the air and so is the opportunity to win big, while contributing to something meaningful! We’re launching our Fall 50/50 Ontario Raffle, giving you the opportunity to support those affected by brain tumours while entering to win a growing cash prize. Starting September 1, 2025, Ontario residents can purchase tickets to be part of something meaningful.
Buy your tickets
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We are honoured to announce our 2025 Youth Education Award recipients! Created to help ease the financial challenges of post-secondary studies, these awards support young brain tumour survivors as they pursue their educational goals.
This year’s recipients have demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination, transforming their experiences into motivation to continue moving forward.
Learn more
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Awareness Dates:
Upcoming Events:
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Our annual Hats for Hope campaign will launch mid-September and will run until October 24, Brain Cancer Awareness Day. Join us in raising awareness and showing support for those affected by brain cancer.
Be among the first to know when this year's collection is available. Sign up to receive updates and be part of this impactful initiative.
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