Research - Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

SupportManaging the journey with a brain tumour canbe emotionally challenging.Whether through the cross-Canada adult support groups;BrainWAVE, the pediatric support program; or by phoning thetoll-free information and support line, connecting with otherswho have similar experiences or with a professional who canprovide one-on-one support helps thousands of Canadiansaffected by a brain tumour find comfort each year.“Having been recently diagnosed with a braintumour I was feeling unsure of what to do nextand how to advocate for myself. I called BrainTumour Foundation of Canada and the support Ireceived was really useful and reassuring. I wasalso told about the Ottawa support group andhave now become a regular member and thegroup’s convenor! It’s been extremely helpful toconnect with other patients and families. Learningabout how they navigated the health care systemprepared me for my own journey and has helpedme understand how to better communicate withmy medical team about my needs.”Lianne Brodeur (nee O’Kane), Gatineau, QCIn 2012, hundreds of individuals found comfortthrough Support Services. One-hundred andthree families connected through BrainWAVE –a 72% increase in participation from 2011.BRAINwaveJacqueline Huff and her twins Quinlanand Conner, Chilliwack, BC““Five years ago, Quinlan was still recoveringfrom his initial brain tumour procedures when wegot involved with Brain Tumour Foundation ofCanada to launch the Lower Mainland BCBrainWAVE group. Our family was looking for away to meet and connect with others facing thejourney with a brain tumour.”JacquelineI really wanted the chance to talk to other siblingsof brain tumour patients and survivors, and shareour experiences. We could be with people we’dmet during hospital visits but in a happierenvironment. We could have quality time with ourfriends in places focused on having fun rather thanbeing sick.”Conner, 16“BrainWAVE has given me the chanceto feel like a regular kid, to have funand build friendships that have lastedfor years.”Quinlan, 1612BrainWAVE, summer 2012