25 Years of Hope

25 Years of Hope, Community, and Determination 

By Denise Bebenek, Founder & President, Meagan Bebenek Foundation 

As I sit down to mark the beginning of Meagan Bebenek Foundation’s 25th anniversary year, my heart is full. Full of gratitude for the thousands of people who have walked beside us, full of pride for what we have accomplished together, and full of determination for the work that still lies ahead. 

When we gathered in 2002 for the first walk and HUG event, I could only dream about what it would become. What began as a way of bringing together the community to raise awareness about the seriousness of paediatric brain tumours has grown into a movement of hope uniting families, researchers, schools, corporations, and communities across Canada and beyond. 

Looking Back: 25 Years of Progress 

Over the past quarter-century, we’ve witnessed extraordinary advancements. At SickKids and partner institutions around the world, researchers we’ve supported have uncovered insights into how paediatric brain tumours form, developed more precise diagnostics, and explored treatments that aim not just to save lives but to protect quality of life. Families have had new reasons to be hopeful because of discoveries made possible by the generosity of this community. 

We’ve also seen something just as powerful as science: the unbreakable strength of community. From thousands joining hands in our annual HUG around SickKids, to cyclists pedaling across the country, to children folding origami cranes in classrooms, each act of kindness has carried forward Meagan’s spirit. Together, we’ve raised millions of dollars, but more importantly, we’ve raised awareness, lifted families in their darkest moments, and reminded them they are never alone. 

The Work Ahead 

And yet, even with progress, we know the reality: brain tumours remain the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Treatments, while advancing, still carry devastating long-term side effects. Far too many families continue to hear the words no parent should ever hear. 

That is why our 25th anniversary is not just a celebration - it is a call to action. Our bold goal, the “25 in 25” campaign, will fund 25 new research projects at $25,000 each over the next year. These seed projects are where breakthroughs begin. They are the spark that leads to new treatments, new discoveries, and one day, to a cure. 

Hope Changes Everything 

Hope has been our guiding light from the very beginning. It’s what carried me through the darkest days after losing Meagan, and it’s what continues to inspire us as a foundation. Hope is not passive—it’s active, it drives us to act, to give, to believe in what’s possible. 

As we begin this milestone year, I invite you to reflect with me on how far we’ve come and to join us in imagining what the next 25 years can bring. Together, we can transform hope into healing, research into cures, and loss into legacy. 

From my family to yours, thank you for standing with us for 25 years, and here’s to a future with many more years of celebrations to come. 

With gratitude and hope, 

Denise