The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada will be observing its 35th anniversary this year and they will be returning to Sudbury for their 15th annual Brain Tumour Walk on June 3.
This walk is an opportunity to celebrate survivors, honour and remember those who have passed away, and raise awareness about this devastating disease. The event will raise money for programs, services and life-changing research. The fundraising goal for Sudbury’s Brain Tumour Walk is $15,000.
“Patients and families are the heart of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. The Brain Tumour Walk will support all of the people in Sudbury affected by a brain tumour diagnosis and we’re so thrilled to see the excitement and support ramp up for this event,” said CEO, Susan Marshall.
“Together we make a real difference in the lives of those affected by brain tumours.”
This year's walk gets underway at 10 a.m. on June 3 in Bell Park. Opening ceremonies will be at 9:50 a.m.
Patrick Bélec is a survivor and Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada Ambassador, and is this year's ambassador for the Sudbury Brain Tumour Walk.
In 2012, Patrick's life was full of classes, study sessions, and varsity sports until headaches and vision troubles began to cause concern. Then one day, after waking up from a nap in uncontrollable sobs, Patrick reluctantly skipped his anatomy test to visit the local ER.
There, an MRI revealed the cause of his ongoing symptoms was a brain tumour.
“Things happened very quickly — it was so abrupt,” said Patrick.
The recommended treatment was three brain surgeries over the course of three months, thirty rounds of radiation, and a healthy dose of good humour.
Bélec is blind in his left eye and on at least four different medications for the rest of his life, but his enthusiasm and determination has not waned.
This June, he will graduate from the French Nursing Sciences program at Laurentian University and he has chosen to volunteer his time with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
“My mantra – hakuna matata, no worries – was something that really carried me through the past few years," said Bélec
"It helped me live in the present and one day at a time. If there’s any way telling my story can help someone else, I’m happy to share.”
