I am a medical student in the Queen’s School of Medicine Class of 2025. I grew up in “Friendly Manitoba” and true to our license plate, I’ve always sought to have a positive outlook on life. In July 2022, that outlook was put to the test as I was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. This life-changing diagnosis led to a week in hospital, months of treatment and a new perspective on the patient experience. Being a patient is challenging, but there are organizations making tremendous efforts to improve it. I am grateful that after over a year of treatment I am now back at the Queen’s School of Medicine, working toward my lifelong dream of becoming a physician.
 
QMed Fights Cancer was established shortly after my diagnosis when a group of classmates reached out and asked how they could support me. Inspired by my long-time passion for hockey we created the QMFC team and began to plan a charity hockey game supporting brain cancer research. As I progressed through treatment, our team meetings allowed me to stay connected with my QMed community and work on something I was proud of. I felt reinvigorated and cautiously optimistic, with a renewed sense of hope that I had lost after receiving my diagnosis. 
 
Over the last four years, we’ve brought together donors, players and spectators from across the country raising over $420,000 for brain cancer research. I was presented with the inaugural CFMS-CPAMD Humanitarian Award in 2023, which I accepted on behalf of everyone at QMFC. This special honour is awarded yearly, and information regarding the application can be found here.
 
Our team at QMFC has partnered with the Canadian Cancer Society, who will match every dollar we raise through our event. The money we raise provides funding for research aimed at investigating novel therapies to treat, cure, and improve the quality of life for patients like myself. 
 
We are so excited to see you back at the Slush Puppie Place (formerly Leon's Centre) for this year’s game and joining in the post-game celebration!