In May 2022, life as we knew it changed forever. My dad, Jerry, began showing signs of cognitive decline and memory loss—symptoms that were first believed to be the result of a mini-stroke. On May 11, we brought him to Sunnybrook Hospital, where he was admitted for further testing.

Two weeks later, after undergoing an MRI and a brain biopsy, we received the devastating news: Jerry was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an incredibly aggressive and difficult-to-treat form of brain cancer.

He began radiation treatment shortly after, and on June 13, we were able to bring him home. Just one month later, on July 13, he passed away.

Anyone who had the good fortune of knowing my dad knew how kind, caring, and funny he was—and just what an incredible person we lost. He also loved to swim. You’d often find him in the fast lane, outpacing people half his age, whether in Courtice, Oshawa, or wherever he could find a pool.

May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month and in honour of my dad—and what would have been his 66th birthday on May 29—I’ll be swimming 29 km between my birthday on May 2 and his. My goal is to raise $660 for the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research.

Brain cancer research is critically underfunded, despite its low survival rate. Treatment options remain limited, and those diagnosed often face overwhelming odds. I hope you’ll consider donating to help fund research, improve care, and give those diagnosed with glioblastoma a fighting chance.