On June 24, 2013, I received a terminal brain cancer diagnosis just after the birth of my second child. Doctors gave me a prognosis of 2 to 6 years to live. However, having just graduated as a nurse, I decided to tackle this challenge head-on. I immersed myself in research on treatment options and crafted a path toward reclaiming my life. I witnessed my incredible surgeon remove most of the grapefruit-sized tumor and navigated the ups and downs of chemotherapy while marveling at the complexities of proton therapy. 
 
Essentially, I just kept moving forward! 
 
I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but left at 18 to pursue a career in performing, singing, and dancing at Stratford, Toronto, New York on Broadway, and across the U.S. as the lead in 42nd Street. I eventually settled in Los Angeles, where I ran a mortgage company before becoming a nurse, but a year after my cancer diagnosis, I decided to move back home to be closer to my family and reconnect with dance and theatre. 
 
In 2024, I joined Brain Cancer Canada (BCC) as an Engagement Ambassador because, like me, BCC operates from the heart to raise awareness and funds for finding a cure for brain cancer. 
 
This past September, I felt an overwhelming wave of support, understanding, love, and hope while emceeing BCC's fundraising gala in Vaughan, Ontario. This experience reinforced my commitment to using my talents to genuinely make a difference through BCC. 
 
At that same gala, I met brain cancer researchers who looked me in the eye and said, "We can do this together.", and I believe them. 
 
I know I’ll need their expertise because, after 11 years of stable MRIs, something new is happening in my brain. I'm confident in the science and skills of the dedicated professionals I will encounter, but I am also aware that there is currently no cure—and that has to change. For me, and for the nine other individuals diagnosed in Canada every day. 
 
Join me in supporting BCC. Together, we can embark on an amazing race to beat brain cancer! 
 
Catherine @cat