BrainStorm Issue #73, Spring 2010

ISSUE 73
The BrainStorm newsletter is published four
times a year (twice in print and twice through
e-mail) by Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Feel free to share your story with a brain
tumour with us. We welcome story ideas
and comments so please write us or subscribe
at newsletter@braintumour.ca.”
Strength for pediatric brain tumour fight
comes from family and peer support
Ryan Nobbs was just threeand-a-half when his parents
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
determined it was time to find
620 Colborne Street, Suite 301
out what was wrong with their
London, ON N6B 3R9
youngest son, once and for all.
It
was a late evening in November
Tel: 1-800-265-5106
(519) 642-7755
2005 and they piled Ryan and his
Fax: (519) 642-7192
twin brothers into the minivan for
E-Mail: braintumour@braintumour.ca
the
trip to the Kitchener Waterloo
Web Site: www.braintumour.ca
Hospital emergency room. While Rick
and Ryan’s mother Yvonne had been
Our partners:
Vivid Creative Communications
taking Ryan to pediatric specialists
Copyright Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, 2010.
for months, it was the emergency
No part of this publication may be reproduced
without prior written permission from Brain
room general physician who led the
Tumour Foundation of Canada. The information
shocked family to the diagnosis of a
contained within this newsletter is subject to
change. The reader is advised to obtain
brain tumour. Before they could blink,
information directly from their physician and
that this newsletter does not and cannot
the family was in London for emergency
purport to address facts and circumstances
surgery. “We ended up in London for six
particular to any patient. Sponsorship of this
newsletter does not imply Brain Tumour
weeks,” Rick explains, “we felt like we had
Foundation of Canada’s endorsement or
no idea what was happening.”
recommendation of any particular form or
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada Newsletter
INTHISISSUE
Nobbs Family: Rick, Wyatt, Ryan, Derek & Yvonne
forms of therapy, regiment or behaviour.
Please visit our website at www.braintumour.ca
with regard to our privacy policy. If you wish
to update your address or be removed from
our mailing list, please contact us directly
at 1-800-265-5106.
Registered Charitable Number:
BN118816339RR0001
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Dr. Joseph Megyesi
VICE CHAIR
Beth Tyndall
Following surgery to remove the golf ball sized
pilocytic astrocytoma, Ryan faced weeks of hospital
recovery during which his parents stayed in London.
Meanwhile his older twin brothers Wyatt and Derek,
tried to retain a sense of normalcy in Kitchener. The
twins stayed with family and continued attending
school. “If it wasn’t for the support of our family and
friends, I don’t know how we would have made it
though those first months,” Yvonne says. Eventually
everyone came to stay together at London’s Ronald
McDonald House. The family counted their blessings as
Ryan was released from hospital on Christmas Eve.
SECRETARY
Shauna MacDougall
TREASURER
Chantalle Butler
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Susan Marshall
DIRECTORS
Patricia Klein
Marianne Lee
Maryanne MacDonald
John Stevenson
Sean Taggart
Fred Wilder
During this tumultuous time, a hospital social worker
shared information about Brain Tumour Foundation
of Canada with Rick and Yvonne. They requested
information and were signed up for the BrainWAVE
pediatric support program. The family attended their
first event, a trip to the Toronto Zoo in the spring
of 2006. “We really enjoy attending the BrainWAVE
events as a family,” Yvonne explains, “They provide a
wonderful opportunity to reconnect with families we
met while in hospital and to create new relationships
with families who are similar to ours.”
Our mission
is to reach every person in Canada
affected by a brain tumour through
support, education, information and
research. Brain Tumour Foundation of
Canada is funded solely through
generous contributions from individuals,
corporations, organizations, employee
groups and fundraising events.
We offer many services
and programs including:
• Patient Resource Handbook
• Children’s Storybooks
• Support Groups
• Information & Support Line
1-800-265-5106
• Online Chat Room
• Information Day Conferences
• BrainStorm Newsletter
• BrainWAVE - our children & teen
support program
Spring 2010
“It has also meant a lot to us because it has
helped Ryan to realize that he is certainly not alone and
that there are many other kids going through the same
things that he has done or may still have to do.”
Because Ryan was having regular follow-up MRIs, tumour
re-growth was promptly discovered in June 2009. Ryan
returned to London for this second surgery to remove an
apricot sized tumour. This time Ryan had a surprisingly
quick recovery, “within seven days we were up at our
cottage on Bark Lake in Barry’s Bay, Ontario and Ryan
was fishing.” Rick explains. “It was really wonderful for
the entire family.”
“We are really blessed,” says Yvonne, “Ryan continues
to be monitored with regular MRIs in London and so far
hasn’t needed radiation or chemotherapy. He’s doing really
well and we look forward to many fun times together as
our boys grow and change.”
The BrainWAVE program offers fun, respite and support
for families on their journey with a pediatric brain tumour.
BrainWAVE programs are available in Southern Ontario and
Lower Mainland BC. For more information, contact
Trishna Wedemire, Support Services Specialist at
1-800-265-5106 ext 234.
Sisters-in-Law Volunteer in Honour
of Lost Husband and Brother
For sisters-in-law Danielle Griffiths and Jen
Easton, the desire to find some good in a
challenging time led them to volunteer for
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. When
Danielle’s husband and Jen’s brother Jay was
diagnosed with a brain tumour in January of
2007, a feeling of helplessness overcame them.
Danielle explains, “I knew I couldn’t change this
situation but I also knew I could do something
to help improve things for the brain
tumour community.”
ston
ths and Jen Ea
Danielle Griffi
thought I can
feel sorry for
myself or I can do
something.” As a
result, Jen began
writing volunteer
profiles. In spring
2009, Danielle
and Jen began
volunteering together as part of the BrainWAVE
organizing committee.
As part of this committee, Danielle and Jen help to plan
By July of 2007, Danielle had become a
keen volunteer researching and writing
and attend support events for children on the journey
with a brain tumour. Working on this committee together,
fundraising proposals as well as making
Danielle and Jen continue to stay close: “We are also
calls to potential donors. “It was not
keeping Jay’s memory alive and honouring his generous
easy,” she says “but I quickly realized
character. We just feel better knowing that we’re
it was a very important job.” Soon
Danielle was giving her time in other
doing something.”
ways, including volunteering at the
organization’s medical conference
National Volunteer Week: April 19th – 25th
and hosting awareness displays.
Sadly, Jay passed away in winter
Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers whose
2009. Following his passing, Jen
contributions are bringing hope for those affected
519.642.7755
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620,too
rue Colborne
decided she
needed to
by a brain tumour.
1 [800] 265.5106
bureau 301
something
with
“I: 519.642.7192
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London,
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N6B 3R9
www.braintumour.ca
• Legacy Gift
Honours Doctor
• 2010 Spring Sprint
• Supporting Children Through Treatment
• Kitchener’s
BrainWAVE Family
Support Group Launches
to Serve Need in Fredericton Area
When Caroline and Julian Walker’s 17-year-old son
David received the shocking diagnosis of a brain
tumour, their entire family had many concerns and
questions. They became intimately involved in his fight
by searching for information. Their search led the Walkers
to information and education programs offered by Brain
Tumour Foundation of Canada. This support gave the family
resolve and helped them to deal with David’s diagnosis
and treatments. Now, with her family behind her, Caroline
is helping to
launch the new
Fredericton Brain
Tumour Support
Group.
Today David
is 26, living in
Vancouver and
recovering well
from a follow-up
brain surgery.
Caroline explains
one surprisingly
positive result of
David’s journey
Brenda Garnett, Facilitator and Caroline Walker, Convenor
with a brain
tumour, “Dave’s amazing strength continues to inspire our
family and friends, and because of this, I’m able to help in the
community.” As a result, Caroline is the volunteer convenor
to the new support group. Support groups are confidential
environments for survivors, family members, caregivers and
friends to gain reassurance from others in similar situations
while also enhancing coping skills. Caroline notes, “One
focus for the group is to make certain that family and
caregivers know they can also attend the support group.”
For over 15 years, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has
been providing a national network of support groups
for those affected by this devastating disease. Through
discussions with the Fredericton community, including
the dedicated fundraising volunteers who organize the
annual Fredericton Spring Sprint, it was determined
that there was a critical need for a brain tumour
support group in the greater Fredericton area.
Led by Volunteer Facilitator Brenda Garnett,
who works at the Stan Cassidy Centre for
Rehabilitation’s Foundation Office, the support
group now meets monthly and offers support,
information and education to brain tumour
survivors and their families. Brenda believes
her background in grief support will be
beneficial. “This support group will be
a safe environment for everyone to be
themselves,” she explains, “where members can trust each other
with their thoughts, feelings and fears.”
In 2007, Fredericton City Councilor, David Kelly, was also
diagnosed with a brain tumour. He is excited about the launch
of this new support group. “Once I began to accept this shocking
diagnosis,” David says, “I turned to dealing with it and lots
of contact with others has been so great for me.” Thanks to
treatment and support, today David is back to work as an
insurance appraiser and is in his tenth year as a Fredericton City
Councillor. He is monitored with an MRI every three months.
“The ‘not knowing’ feeling is hard to deal with, but being able
to attend the monthly support group meetings helps me to cope
with this worry,” David notes.
For Caroline, Brenda and David, establishing the Fredericton
brain tumour support group to help the area’s other brain tumour
survivors, families and caregivers get the support, information and
education they need, is an important step towards changing the
lives of everyone touched by a brain tumour. “Having somewhere
to turn for help, really made a difference for us,” Caroline
explains. “I believe it will do the same for others in
the Fredericton area.”
For more information, please contact:
Trishna wedemire at 1-800-265-5106 ext. 234
or by email at twedemire@braintumour.ca
Walk, Run or
Sprint in support
of those affected by
a brain tumour.
Register online at www.springsprint.ca
Honour a loved one’s journey with a brain tumour by
joining us in one of 22 cities across Canada. You can
create your own event page and invite family and
friends to join your team! By registering online you
will be eligible to win one of our incredible incentive
prizes.Visit our website to learn more and get started!
Consider Matching Gifts
Team Spinnaker in Toronto’s Spring Sprint asked
their employer, Union Gas, to match donations that
increased their final total to $8,955. Thanks to the
31 team members and Union Gas for their fantastic
gift. Your team can make a difference as well through
employee matching gifts!
New! Education Seminars
Les Carter’s Legacy Honours Doctor’s Skill
When you ask 93-year-old Les Carter why
he has been so generous to Brain Tumour
Foundation of Canada he responds with
his characteristic modesty. “You get a good
feeling when you do something for others,”
he says. “When it came to my will I felt
somebody could certainly use the money, so
that’s how I decided. I like to help out and it
does give me some pleasure.”
That generosity of spirit resulted in regular
yearly $500 donations to Brain Tumour
Foundation of Canada, in addition to a
$500,000 bequest in his will. “I’m sure the
money will help with research and the
other important work being done by the
foundation,” Les adds. “I’ve had a good life,
in fact I’m still having a good life and I just
wanted to help those who could
use the money.”
Retiring from his job as a mechanic at the age
of 60, Les worked on a wide range of vehicles
before, during and after the Second World
War. During the war he further expanded
his skills, working both at home and abroad,
on aircraft. Born in Toronto, he moved to
London in 1942, married and opened a quickly
different ways. It will allow the
foundation to provide information
to patients and families, help them
provide support, and continue
research efforts that will hopefully
lead to a cure.”
expanding garage after
the war, demonstrating his
considerable skills repairing
automobiles, trucks and other
vehicles.
During his life, he has also
closely followed the career
Les Carter
of Dr. Joseph Megyesi,
a neurosurgeon and physician at the
University of Western Ontario’s Division of
Neurosurgery. “I first knew Dr. Joe when
he went to South Collegiate,” Les recalls.
“He graduated, moved on to the University
of Western Ontario, became a doctor and
moved ahead in the field of brain surgery. He
has done such remarkable work, so it was a
pleasure to be able to help out in some way.”
Dr. Megyesi, Chair of Brain Tumour
Foundation of Canada’s Board of Directors is
equally appreciative of Les’ contributions:
“As a neurosurgeon and physician who looks
after patients with brain tumours, I feel that
Les Carter’s Legacy gift is extremely important.
It will allow Brain Tumour Foundation of
Canada to continue work that touches brain
tumour patients and their families in many
There is a growing need for more
funding to brain tumour research.
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is
dedicated to funding research projects across
the country, but places an equal importance
on providing information and support services
to survivors and their families.
The simple reality is Les Carter is a very
generous, kind spirited man who also makes
regular $500 donations to a variety of other
organizations including the CNIB and Prostate
Cancer Canada. “I’m just happy to do what I
can,” he says.
To learn more about how your gifts
can make a difference to Canadians
affected by a brain tumour, please
contact Susan Relecom, Director of
Development, at 1-800-265-5106, ext. 227.
Lace up your sneakers and join the
thousands of Canadians helping to improve
the quality of life for those individuals
and families who are affected by a brain
tumour. Each step you take is one step
closer to finding the cause of and cure for
this devastating disease.
Gather together your family, friends and
co-workers to Walk, Runor Sprint and
celebrate life, generate hope and enjoy
these fun events.
Last year, close to 5,000 people joined
together to raise over $1.4 million.
All proceeds go toward supporting
our ongoing mission to reach every
Canadian affected by a brain tumour
through support, education, information
and research.
Register now at
www.springsprint.ca
Please contact Carol Anthony at
1-800-265-5106, extension 225 or by
e-mail at canthony@braintumour.ca
to register over the telephone, to receive
pledge forms, or to get more event
details. She is also available to help with
any questions with our online
registration process.
GUELPH &
WELLINGTON, ON
Saturday, May 15
Guelph Arboretum
Route: 2.5K, 5K and 10K
David Bloom
Memorial
BRAMPTON, ON
Sunday, May 2
Professor’s Lake Rec.
Centre
Route: 2.5K, 5K and 10K
HALIFAX, NS
Saturday, May 15
Dalhousie Wickwire
Soccer Field
Route: 2.5K and 5K
CALGARY, AB
Sunday, June 6
North Glenmore Park
Route: 2.5K, 5K and 10K
HAMILTON, ON
Saturday, May 1
Lakeland Community
Centre, Confederation
Park Trail/Van Wagner’s
Beach
Route: 2.5K and 5K
CHATHAM, ON
Saturday, May 8
CM Wilson, Conservation
Area/Children’s Safety
Village
Route: 2K and 5K
KITCHENER/
WATERLOO, ON
Sunday, May 16
Waterloo Park
Route: 2.5K and 5K
EDMONTON, AB
Saturday, June 5
Hawrelak Park
Route: 2.5k, 5k and 10k
LLOYDMINSTER, AB
Sunday, May 30
Bud Miller Park
Route: 5K
FREDERICTON, NB
Saturday, May 15
Hugh John Flemming
Forestry Centre
Route: 2.5K and 5K
LONDON, ON
Sunday, April 25
Children’s Museum
Route: 2.5K and 5K
Consider Matching Gifts
Julie Johnson doubled her donation to the
T4T Racing for Research team in Calgary’s
Sprint by having her employer EnCana
match her pledge. You can too! Thanks
Julie and EnCana. EnCana’s matches totaled
$1,208 in 2009. Visit our fundraising page
at www.braintumour.ca/braintumour.nsf/
eng/H2HEmployeeGiving to learn how.
MEDICINE HAT, AB
Sunday, June 6
Kin Coulee Park
Route: 5K
MONTREAL, QC
Sunday, June 6
Angrignon Park
Route: 2.5K and 5K
OTTAWA, ON
Saturday, June 5
Andrew Haydon Park
Bandshell
Route: 2.5K and 5K
SASKATOON, SK
Saturday, May 29
Meewasin Trail
Route: 2.5K, 5K and 10K
SUDBURY, ON
Sunday, June 13
College Boreal
Route: 2.5K and 5K
TORONTO, ON
Saturday, April 24
Sunnybrook Park, Sports
Pavilion
Route: 5K
Walk, Run or Sprint
National Sponsors:
Thank you to all our participants, donors
and volunteers for helping to Imagine a Cure!
Upcoming seminars:
Your input is needed as we work on the
development of three new resources to support
brain tumour survivors and their families. The new
materials will focus on the following topics:
1.Children of a parent with a brain tumour
2.Teens of a parent with a brain tumour
3.Benign brain tumours
These resources will be designed by patients for
patients and if you are interested in sharing your
input, we want to hear from you. Please contact
Janic Gorayeb, Health Information Specialist by
email at jgorayeb@braintumour.ca or by
phone at 1-800-265-5106 ext 233.
Edmonton, AB, June 19, 2010
Cross Cancer Institute
Barrie, ON, June 26, 2010
Gilda’s Club
Sessions are planned for Vancouver, BC
and Ottawa, ON in the fall.
For more information including how to volunteer or
to register, please visit our website or contact Jennifer
McIntosh, Education and Volunteer Services Officer
by phone at 1-800-265-5106 ext. 231 or email at
jmcintosh@braintumour.ca.
Sign up for the new support and
BrainWAVE electronic newsletters!
You can now get additional support information
and resources by signing up for our new support
E-Newsletters. Visit the ‘Get Support’ section
of our website to sign up and to download
the first editions.
Find us on
Facebook!
Do you want to know
what’s happening at
Brain Tumour Foundation
of Canada more
frequently? Become
a ‘fan’ of our new
Facebook page and you’ll
receive regular updates
in your news feed about
support, information,
education, research and
so much more. Simply
visit our website and click
on the link ‘Follow Us
on Facebook!’ Once you
are a fan, don’t forget
to share your story, ideas
or photos with us via the
page’s wall and other
posting functions. See
you there!
Ask the Expert
Spring Sprint 2010 Locations
BELLEVILLE, ON
Saturday, June 12
Zwicks Park, Hill
Pavilion
Route: 2.5K and 5K
New brain tumour education opportunities for anyone
affected by a brain tumour are being launched this
spring in Edmonton, AB and Barrie, ON. These free
seminars are half-day sessions focused on the latest
developments in brain tumour research, treatments and
quality of life issues. Survivors, patients undergoing
treatment, family members, caregivers, friends, parents
of a child affected by a brain tumour and health care
professionals are welcome to attend.
Help Create
New Resources
VANCOUVER, BC
Saturday, May 29
Burnaby Lake, East,
Rowing Pavilion
Route: 5K
VICTORIA, BC
Sunday, May 30
Cedar Hill Recreation
Centre
Route: 3.5K
WINDSOR, ON
Sunday, June 13
Riverside Sportsmen
Club
Route: 5K
WINNIPEG, MB
Saturday, June 5
Assiniboine Park, Lyric
Theatre
Route: 2.5K, 5K and
Janice Gill Memorial 10K
Run
How Can You Help Support Children Through Treatment and Diagnosis?
Receiving news of a brain tumour diagnosis
can be one of the most difficult things for
people to hear. When the person receiving
this news is a child there are additional
factors that must be considered. Young
children’s reactions to hearing bad news
often depends on how their caregiver
reacts to the same news. Older children
have often formed their own approach
to situations and will cope with the news
based on their battery of existing
coping resources (which may be
positive or negative).
So, how can we help children and their
families through the period of adjustment
that accompanies a new brain tumour
diagnosis? The key is to take a step back
whenever you can and listen with your
eyes and your ears to what your child is
experiencing. Children and teenagers, even
the very young, sense when something is
different. It is important to help explain
what is happening in a way they can
understand, based on their level of
understanding and their coping style.
Some helpful hints for how YOU can
help a child cope with the impact of
cancer in the family:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Be honest – this does not mean giving every detail of everything, share what is relevant and likely to impact your child
Provide simple explanations
Prepare your child for changes to routines, people’s mood, hospital visits, appearance etc.
Show it’s OK to ask questions/
share feelings
Let them play “through”
their experiences
Continue to love and reassure
Prepare yourself for tough questions
Continue to set limits and expectations
Continue some regular family time and
one-on-one time
Maintain a schedule of daily activities as much as possible
Ensure everyone has a “job”
Identify people your child can to talk to
an adult or a child/youth. However
if you notice that your child’s/
teenager’s behavior is significantly
different for more than 3-4 weeks,
such as changes in sleep patterns
(more or less sleep), eating
patterns, social interactions or
school performance, it is wise
to talk to your family doctor or
a health professional.
A special thank you to Chantal
LeBlanc, Certified Child Life
Specialist and Hali Bauld,
Clinical Social Worker of the
IWK in Halifax and volunteers
for Brain Tumour Foundation
of Canada as members of
our Professional Advisory
Group. Chantal and Hali
co-presented at the 2009
Halifax Information Day.
Thank you for
your time.
Changes in behavior and moodiness are
common reactions when there are life
changing things occurring in our lives, as
Share Hope, Join a Support Group
Brain tumour support groups offer a unique
opportunity for people with a brain tumour
and their loved ones to share experiences
and gain emotional support in a safe and
relaxed atmosphere.
They help to reduce anxiety and deal with
feelings of loss of control, fear of the
unknown, changes in family roles, and financial
strain. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
offers 23 groups in cities across Canada that
meet monthly, as well as parent and pediatric
support through the BrainWAVE program.
For more information, meeting times and
locations, please contact Trishna Wedemire,
Support Services Specialist at
1-800-265-5106 ext. 234 or by email at
twedemire@braintumour.ca. Details and
updates for each group are also available
online at our website by clicking “Get Support”
and following the links to the right.
No support group near you? Visit our Message
Board and participate in our monthly Online
Support Chat at www.braintumour.ca.
Fredericton
ISSUE 73
Spring 2010
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada Events
Brain tumours are more
common than people
think. It is estimated that
more than 55,000
Canadians are living with
a brain tumour and more
than 10,000 are newly
diagnosed each year.
The proceeds we
receive are used
to provide support
and information
to the thousands
of Canadians
who are affected
by brain tumours
and to fund vital
research. It is
through generous
support like yours
that we have been
able to do so much
for so many since
1982. Thank you.
Father’s Journey Inspires Elmira Student
To Raise Funds Through Art
Creating art is a process driven
by inspiration and passion. For Tori Koller,
a grade 12 student from Heidelberg,
Ontario, her passion is teaching other
students, and her inspiration is provided by
her father, a 12-year brain tumour survivor.
To help other survivors, Tori led a group of
amazing grade 10 and 11 art students to create
and sell over 75 glass pendants and donate
the funds to Brain Tumour Foundation
of Canada.
When looking for a charity class project, Elmira
District Secondary School art teacher, Lynn Pavlik,
immediately thought of Tori and her father. Over
the previous year, Lynn taught Tori how to make
glass art pendants in a kiln during lunch and asked
Tori to accept the challenge of sharing it with other
students. The final necklaces were sold to staff,
students and families for $5 each, raising $385 for
brain tumour patient programs. Since day one of
his diagnosis, the Koller family has received
information and support from Brain Tumour
Foundation of Canada.
“Working together was a lot of fun and very
worthwhile,” Lynn mentions of the project. “After
hearing about Tori’s father and his journey with a
brain tumour, it is great to do something tangible,
to give back.” Tori plans on taking her passion for art
Help Promote
Your Spring Sprint
.com
Tori Koller
| www.observerxtra
Observer, Elmira, ON
Photo courtesy of The
and teaching to make a difference as well. She recently
was accepted to all five of her post-secondary choices and
wants to study Early Childhood Education on the road to
becoming a teacher herself.
“My dad is my mentor and I look up to him,”
Tori explains as she remembers how positive her father
has remained even throughout treatments of radiation
and recovery. “He believes that attitude is 98% and
medication is the rest.”
You can make a difference by raising
awareness about Spring Sprint and brain
tumours in your community.
One way is to set-up an awareness display at one of the many health
or lifestyle shows happening across Canada. Several Spring Sprints have
had recent success including the teams in Windsor, Guelph, Kitchener/
Waterloo, and London. Other opportunities include setting up displays in
public areas like libraries, malls or at a business networking event.
Contact Megan Winkler at 1-800-265-5106, ext. 230 or by email at
mwinkler@braintumour.ca for all the materials and support you need
to set-up an attractive and engaging display. Visit www.springsprint.ca
to learn more about a Spring Sprint event in your area and how you can
get involved!
Thank you to Scotiabank that matched donations made by Marjory Buttrum’s colleagues in the
2009 Hamilton Spring Sprint to the amount of $5,010. Your company can match your gifts too!
Call Susan Relecom at 1-800-265-5106 extension 227 to learn how.
Hold a
Community
Event To Make
a Difference
ronto, ON
I Love Lucy, To
Alex, Evan, Joshua
& guest
You can pay tribute to the courage of
a loved one affected by a brain tumour,
or help raise the success of your local
Spring Sprint by holding a community
fundraising event. These events are
fun to put on, allow you to meet other
people in your community, and help raise
funds that go to patient support programs
and research. Eileen Quigg, Community
Events Officer at Brain Tumour Foundation
of Canada, is happy to provide you with our
helpful events guide that makes planning your
event easy. Contact Eileen at
1-800-265-5106, ext. 224 or by e-mail at
equigg@braintumour.ca to get started!
Please enjoy reading about the incredible efforts
by others helping to raise hope for people on
their journey with a brain tumour:
I Love Lucy, Toronto, ON
Thera Robinson Issawi and her family hosted a charity
dinner and auction in memory of her mother, Lucy
Robinson. On Friday, February 5, their event with
great food and entertainment raised close to $8,000
to support Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Thank you so much, Thera.
Chinuary, Kingston, ON
Michael Lombardi and his friends from Queen’s
University held a fundraising event in honour of Cathy
Bozzetto. Participants grew beards from January 21 to
February 21 and collected donations in order to shave
them off at the end of the month. Besides being a lot
of fun, their efforts helped raise $500, and has led to
plans for another Chinuary event next year.
Lemonade Stand, Guelph, ON
During the Eden Mills Writers Festival in September,
Sharon Zamin’s three nephews, Alex (6), Evan (5) and
Joshua (9) held their own lemonade stand. The boys
dedicated their hard work and salesmanship to selling
refreshing drinks and donating their proceeds to Brain
Tumour Foundation of Canada. We really appreciate
their hard work, and the boys serve as an inspiration
to us all.
Michael Lombardi
Contact
CITY
Prov
Winnipeg
MN
Ajax
Kingston
Windsor
Kenora
& London
London
Elmira Carman
ON
ON
ON
ON
Staff
London
ON
Debbie Miller
Toronto
ON
Staff
1st Courtice Guides
Guelph & Kitchener/
Waterloo Spring Sprint
Thera Robinson Issawi
Team GPK
Oshawa
Courtice
Kitchener/
Waterloo
Oakville
Montreal
ON
ON
London Spring Sprint
Halifax Spring Sprint London
Halifax
ON
NS
David Kelly
Jen Brewe
Ron Ruspic
Gary and Karen Evjen
Fredericton
London
Toronto
Saskatoon
NB
ON
ON
SK
London Spring Sprint
London
ON
BT Info Night Awareness Display
Cancer Care Manitoba
Christine Lawrence
40th Celebration
In Honour of Christine Lawrence
Christine Lawrence
Chinuary Cathy Bozzetto
Michael Lombardi
Health Expo Awareness Display
Windsor Spring Sprint
Bottles for Brains
In Honour of Mary Ann
Heather Pais
Merchandise Sales
Nicole Densham
Creative for the Cause
In Honour of Joe Koller
Tori Koller/Elmira Secondary School
A Prarie’s Boy View Calendar
Glen Nicholl
Mark Nicholl/ Lea Kramer
Lerners LLP Barristers
& Solicitors Casual Days
Sunnybrook Awareness
Event (speaker)
Durham Region Home
Builders Association
In Honour of Narci Mastrainni
Loonies for a Lollipop
In Memory of Dr. Janny Hyland
Total Women’s Awareness Display
I Love Lucy
In Memory of Lucy Robinson
Spaghetti Dinner
Montreal Spring Sprint
Women’s Lifestyle Show
Awareness Display
Curling Bonspiel
Halifax Spring Sprint
Fredericton Market
Awareness Display
Trivia Night
Custom Car Quarters
In Memory of Barb Kindness
Brain Blast Awareness Display
Chamber of Commerce
Awareness Display
ON
ON
QC
DEDICATION
CITY
Prov
Markville Fitness Challenge
Toronto Spring Sprint
Chris Mulchinock
Markville
ON
Sara & Marianne Gibbard
Condor
AB
Andrew Matthews
Donna Elliott, Stephen
and Darlene MacKenzie
Dartmouth NS
Arkona
ON
Garth Huck
Blair Shunk
Banff Jasper
AB
Gregory Kiez
Debra Kiez
Toronto
ON
JUNE
Upcoming Events
APRIL
ON
ON
MB
MAY
MARCH
JANUARY
DEDICATION
FEBRUARY
Past Events
Going Bald for Bob
In Honour of Bob Gibbard
Cancer Kickin’ Chicken
Wing Eating Contest
Halifax Spring Sprint
10th Annual Hak Elliott Nancy Hak & Katie Elliott
Golf Tournament
Banff Jasper Relay
Brain Cancer “It’s not a walk in the park”
For more information on upcoming events, please visit our
: 519.642.7755
“What’s Happening”
page at www.braintumour.ca.
1 [800] 265.5106
620, rue Colborne
bureau 301
London, ON
N6B 3R9
TÉL.
TÉLÉC. : 519.642.7192
www.braintumour.ca