Beyond Brain Tumours

Send us a message! In episode 18, we’re joined by Emma Garcia, a young athlete whose life changed at fifteen when a concussion eventually led to a brain tumour diagnosis and four life‑saving surgeries. During this conversation, Emma shares her journey through unimaginable challenges, the strength she discovered along the way, and the community that helped her heal. Her story is a moving reminder t...

Send us a message! In episode 18, we’re joined by Emma Garcia, a young athlete whose life changed at fifteen when a concussion eventually led to a brain tumour diagnosis and four life‑saving surgeries. During this conversation, Emma shares her journey through unimaginable challenges, the strength she discovered along the way, and the community that helped her heal. Her story is a moving reminder t...

Send us a message! After a life-changing brain tumour diagnosis, Jedro Magtoto made a brave decision to stop living the life expected of him and start creating one that felt true. In this episode, he shares his journey through treatment, survivorship, and ultimately discovering his purpose as a speaker, comedian, and author. From uncertainty to intention, Jedro’s story highlights the power of mind...

Send us a message! In this episode of Beyond Brain Tumours, our host Ben Seewald, talks with renowned photographer Steve Carty about his extraordinary journey through a metastatic brain tumour, his experience with awake brain surgery, and his mindset during recovery. Carty is a Toronto-based photographer who has spent more than three decades using his lens to transform fleeting human moments into...

Send us a message! In this episode of Beyond Brain Tumours, our host Ben Seewald, talks with renowned photographer Steve Carty about his extraordinary journey through a metastatic brain tumour, his experience with awake brain surgery, and his mindset during recovery. Carty is a Toronto-based photographer who has spent more than three decades using his lens to transform fleeting human moments into...

Send us a message! In Episode 15, we’re joined by Meegan, a single mother, teacher, and survivor of a non-malignant pituitary macroadenoma and stroke. This is an emotional and heartfelt conversation as she shares her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.  Listen in as Meegan reflects on the many adjustments she’s made while embracing this new chapter of life, choosing to stay curious...

Send us a message! In Episode 15, we’re joined by Meegan, a single mother, teacher, and survivor of a non-malignant pituitary macroadenoma and stroke. This is an emotional and heartfelt conversation as she shares her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.  Listen in as Meegan reflects on the many adjustments she’s made while embracing this new chapter of life, choosing to stay curious...

Send us a message! In this heartfelt conversation, Matthew shares his journey as a brain tumour survivor and the profound ways in which it challenged his identify, routines, and mental health as a young adult. He talks about paving a way forward, sharing the question that helped anchor him through his most difficult moments: “What can I do today, right now, in this moment?”   While adversity might...

Send us a message! In this heartfelt conversation, Matthew shares his journey as a brain tumour survivor and the profound ways in which it challenged his identify, routines, and mental health as a young adult. He talks about paving a way forward, sharing the question that helped anchor him through his most difficult moments: “What can I do today, right now, in this moment?”   While adversity might...

Send us a message! In this episode, we chat with power couple Esther and Elman about what it means to navigate brain tumour care and recovery as young adults. Esther reflects on her experience as a young adult caregiver, the challenges and barriers she faced, and the support that helped her along the way. Together, they reflect on their shared commitment to giving back to the brain tumour communit...

Send us a message! In this episode, we chat with power couple Esther and Elman about what it means to navigate brain tumour care and recovery as young adults. Esther reflects on her experience as a young adult caregiver, the challenges and barriers she faced, and the support that helped her along the way. Together, they reflect on their shared commitment to giving back to the brain tumour communit...

Send us a message! This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, meet 14-year-old brain tumour survivor Robbie Watson and his parents, Abby and Jeremy, as they share their incredible story. Robbie reflects on travelling for treatment and life after diagnosis with his signature positivity, while Abby brings the parent perspective and opens up about the uncertainty, strength and community support that carr...

Send us a message! This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, meet 14-year-old brain tumour survivor Robbie Watson and his parents, Abby and Jeremy, as they share their incredible story. Robbie reflects on traveling for treatment and life after diagnosis with his signature positivity, while Abby brings the parent perspective and opens up about the uncertainty, strength and community support that carri...

Send us a message! In this episode, we explore hope as more than just optimism- as a mindset that can be built, practiced, and sometimes rediscovered when everything feels like it’s falling apart.  Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Ann, who shares strategies and insights from her journey as a relentless advocate for her daughter. From building partnerships to moving through advocacy, growt...

Send us a message! In this episode, we explore hope as more than just optimism- as a mindset that can be built, practiced, and sometimes rediscovered when everything feels like it’s falling apart.  Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Ann, who shares strategies and insights from her journey as a relentless advocate for her daughter. From building partnerships to moving through advocacy, growt...

Send us a message! Welcome back, everyone!   In this episode, our host Ben Seewald chats with Patrick, a Registered Nurse and a brain tumour survivor. Having just started nursing school, Patrick shared his experiences facing a brain tumour as a young adult and balancing care, recovery and coursework. Together, they discuss Patrick’s journey of strength and resilience and the importance of kindness...

Send us a message! Welcome back, everyone!   In this episode, our host Ben Seewald chats with Patrick, a Registered Nurse and a brain tumour survivor. Having just started nursing school, Patrick shared his experiences facing a brain tumour as a young adult and balancing care, recovery and coursework. Together, they discuss Patrick’s journey of strength and resilience and the importance of kindness...

Send us a message! Maria a été la proche aidante de son mari, décédé il y a plus de 6 ans d'un glioblastome. Suivez-nous sur Facebook et sur Instagram . If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this short form . Learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at BrainTumour.ca . Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , X , Yo...

Send us a message! In this episode, we speak with Peter, a 49-year-old brain tumour survivor whose experience began in January 2019 with the diagnosis of a grade 2 astrocytoma following a seizure. Peter shares his fascination with awake brain surgery and the challenges that followed with his recovery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Through it all, he emphasizes the importance of maintain a positiv...

Send us a message! Kathy est une survivante de tumeur cérébrale résidant à Québec et bénévole à la Fondation canadienne des tumeurs cérébrales pour le programme pédiatrique GOcervo . En 2011, elle a reçu un diagnostic de tumeur cérébrale. Suivez-nous sur Facebook et sur Instagram . If you’d like to share your story and take part in our Beyond Brain Tumours podcast, we invite you to fill out this s...

Send us a message! In this episode, Alex shares how he navigated life after a brain tumour diagnosis, surgery and a challenging recovery. Join us as we explore the process of defining a “new normal,” including fertility preservation, building resilience, the role of positive psychology and goal setting. Alex’s story offers insights on self-advocacy, emotional well-being, and the power of setting n...

Send us a message! In this episode, we speak with Sarah, a registered nurse at The Hospital for Sick Children and a brain tumour survivor who was diagnosed 13 years ago. Having faced four reoccurrences, Sarah reflects on the vital role her “cancer squad” of family and friends played in her life. We explore therapy, honest communication, and navigating difficult emotions and conversations. Listen i...

Send us a message! Carolyn, who grew up in a First Nations community in southeastern New Brunswick, shares the story of her mother, Phyllis— a polio survivor and community advocate— who passed away from a brain tumour during the pandemic.  In this episode, Carolyn reflects on her mother’s incredible life, her advocacy for their community, and the unique challenges they faced together during diagno...

Send us a message! Karen-Lisa is a brain tumour survivor whose experience began in 2015 with the diagnosis of a pituitary adenoma. As a young mother, she shares her experience with the challenges of navigating symptoms, overcoming assumptions, seeking second opinions and the importance of listening to your body. For additional information, you may visit:   Talking with your Child / Teen about a Br...

Send us a message! Denis was a world traveller turned passionate advocate for brain tumour awareness after his diagnosis in 2013. In this episode, we sit with his father and caregiver, Ken, as he reflects on his son’s life, courage, and the challenges they faced together. Join us as we explore Denis’ experience with brain surgery, clinical trials and the realities of living with a brain tumour. Ke...