7 minute read
by Maureen Daniels
Maureen Daniels, BScN, RN, Coordinator, The Gerry and Nancy Pencer Brain Tumor Centre, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network and IBTA Senior Advisor
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Toronto, Canada
BRAIN TUMOUR FOUNDATION OF CANADA (BTFC) is the only national brain tumour organization offering education and support to patients and families affected by a brain tumour in Canada. The organization’s vision - “To find the cause of and a cure for brain tumours while improving the quality of life for those affected” is at the core of all that BTFC does. Now, as they celebrate their 40th Anniversary, the winds of change are gently blowing at BTFC. On February 28, 2022, the Foundation was pleased to introduce their new CEO, Shannon LaHay. Just a month into her new position, Shannon connected with the IBTA to reflect on some first impressions and share her excitement and positive energy as she gets to work.
Roles and responsibilities As she begins her new role Shannon explained that she is very mindful of the great responsibilities that go with her position . She sees her primary responsibility to the brain tumour community - patients, caretakers, survivors and families – as ensuring that BTFC continues to provide the support, information and resources that are the hallmark of the organization .
She also plans to focus on advancing the Foundation’s mission, vision and values, with a view to contributing to an end to brain tumours . That means supporting and advocating for research into the causes of and potential cure for brain tumours and bringing hope to the brain tumour community . ➤ Shannon LaHay, the recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
Shannon reflects that the responsibility to support her team is one she takes very seriously as well . She said: “The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has a deeply compassionate and committed team of staff and volunteers . I’ve been welcomed with open arms and hearts and I’m humbled to support them in their work . ”
While her new position at BTFC is Shannon’s first affiliation with the brain tumour arena, she is no stranger to the not-for-profit field . When asked what drew her to this kind of work she responded: “To be honest, it wasn’t a conscious decision to specifically go down a career path in the not-for-profit sector . I had an opportunity to make a move that was right for my life and my family at the time . But once I was in that role, what I discovered was purpose . The deeply satisfying feeling of making a difference . That was when I decided that the not-for-profit sector was where I belonged, specifically in advancing healthcare and wellness .”
Shannon’s past roles as Director of Development and Partnerships with The Sunshine Foundation of Canada, and as Executive Director with The Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation have enhanced her skills in operations and strategic planning, engaging and fostering partnerships locally and at the national level, and leading a team to achieve organizational goals .
Learnings from the brain tumour community Now, as she becomes acquainted with the brain tumour arena Shannon is eager to share her first impressions .
“I have quickly learned that the brain tumour world is incredibly complex,” she said . “Even more so because at the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada we serve the needs of Canadians affected by both malignant and non-malignant brain tumours . What has already become very evident to me is that clinicians, researchers, and advocates in the brain tumour arena are incredibly dedicated and passionate . Thankfully, we are not approaching this alone . We have many partners, including the IBTA, that we are able to collaborate with to bring positive change and to continue to foster hope . I have also quickly realized that brain tumour awareness and advocacy requires far more attention to provide the needed treatments, access to care, and support for patients, survivors, caretakers and families on their journey . "
Shannon goes on to reflect that: “My work has always brought me tremendous satisfaction, in particular the incredible connections and authentic relationships that I’ve been able to build through my work . Being connected with others to effect meaningful change and witness positive impact is powerful . I can’t think of another career path where I would have had the opportunity to build the close relationships that I have over the years and know that I am part of helping to make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve . My short time at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, has served to strongly reinforce this view . ”
Planning for the future Moving forward, Shannon is deeply committed to making meaningful change .
She said: “For me the key to meaningful change is knowing that we are doing better than we were before . It really comes down to impact and making a positive difference . On an individual level, it means reaching one more person, providing support or information that helps improve the quality of life for one more patient . As we move the dial in the brain tumour arena, meaningful change means more support for research, and access to care and treatments . Of course, the most meaningful change will be in realizing our shared goal of an end to brain tumours . ”
As CEO, Shannon sees the role of BTFC to continue to be a place that the brain tumour community across Canada can turn to for support, information and education .
“I see our role as being a leader in supporting research that benefits our community, whether that is quality of life, causes, treatments, or a cure . And I see our role as being an advocate, a voice, for the needs of our community .”
BTFC in the post-COVID era Shannon’s arrival at BTFC is timely as the organization, along with the rest of the world, navigates out of the COVID pandemic . She is optimistic .
“I believe that many not-for-profits will face similar challenges in the post-COVID era . We were fortunate because our team did an incredible job of pivoting to a virtual world quickly and effectively . Our annual Walk season, which is a significant portion of our fundraising, took place just a couple of months after the pandemic started and we were able to successfully go virtual . We were also able to quickly shift support groups to a virtual platform so that our community could continue to connect .
“Our Mission involves reaching every person in Canada who is affected by a brain tumour and as we incorporated additional virtual and digital components into our support, education, and information programs, we were able to reach so many more people . But we also know that many people in our community are ready to get back to connecting in-person .
“So, one of the challenges moving forward, will involve finding the balance that maintains that broader connection across the country while providing the opportunities to safely come together in-person and have that physical sense of connection and community . I believe that because we were able to stay connected and support the brain tumour community [throughout the pandemic], our community has continued to support us in our fundraising efforts . We have come through these last two difficult years together, and I believe that we will continue to demonstrate that resilience, strength and resolve . ”
Relaxing and recharging Maya Angelou wrote: “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others .”
With this sentiment in mind, the IBTA was intrigued to know what Shannon does to care for herself .
“I have two daughters, who are absolutely the joy of my life . So, much of my time outside of work is spent with them . My youngest daughter, who is still at home, is an avid horseback rider and we spend a lot of time at the barn or horse shows . My oldest daughter is my world-traveler (pre-COVID) and I look forward to being able to join her on more of her adventures in the future . Being with my loved ones really is my favourite way to relax and recharge .” n
