Research - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

9Public AwarenessThe mission to reach every Canadian affected by a braintumour drives our work as a community and publicawareness plays a significant role in accomplishingthis goal.For the first time ever, in early 2012, threeprofessional television commercials wereproduced for Brain Tumour Foundation ofCanada. These public service announcements arehelping the organization reach more individuals coastto-coast.This increased public awareness was the wishof 46-year-old brain tumour activist Rob Blair who losthis 13-year battle with a brain tumour in August 2011.Near the end of his life, he expressed to his brother,filmmaker David Ray, a desire that he carry on hisawareness-raising efforts. Rob’s request was that Daviduses his talent and expertise to create commercials forthe organization that supported Rob while he bravedthis devastating disease.Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is extremelygrateful for the support of Rob, David and thefilmmaking community that produced theseremarkable pieces.AdvocacyIn 2012, the organization’s advocacyefforts focused on two key issues:Data Collection and Equal Access toTreatments. Volunteer advocates took part indiscussions with government officials and partnersin the cancer community around data collection andthe importance of The Ontario Cancer Registry (OCR)counting every brain tumour, regardless of stageor grade.In addition, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada isnow registered with the pan-Canadian Oncology DrugReview (pCODR) committee. By registering with pCODR,the organization can act as a patient voice to the reviewgroup when new drugs are put forward for approval.Filmmaker David Ray and his brother, braintumour activist Rob Blair.The production crew on set for the PSA filming