Page 15 - Labatt BTRC Annual Report 2020-2021

I came to realize that Meagan’s HUG is not just a fundraising organization. They are a symbol of hope and community.
- Dr. Christian Smith
supporting three primary areas: a neuro- oncology Fellowship, seed funding for research projects, and laboratory equipment purchases.
Importantly, as a result of Meagan’s HUG ongoing support for the last two decades,
we have achieved substantial and tangible progress in many areas of brain tumour research and therapy. As one example, Meagan’s HUG funding of a Rutka Lab
project focusing on DIPG has resulted in the development of the first-ever clinical trial that will use Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) to breach the blood- brain barrier and deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly into DIPGs and other hard-to-treat brain tumours.
The year 2021 marks the 20th anniversary
of Meagan’s HUG. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Meagan’s HUG continued to support brain tumour research by hosting “Honks for Hope,” a drive-in fundraising concert featuring a live performance by Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. When I attended the show and heard Denise’s speech to the concert-goers, I was reminded of my first Meagan’s HUG event and its effect on me. Importantly though, I came
to realize that Meagan’s HUG is not just a
Denise Bebenek speaking at Meagan’s HUG
fundraising organization. They are a symbol of hope and community. Meagan’s HUG is there to support all the children, all the future Meagans.
By Christian Smith
Today, I’m honoured to participate annually
in Meagan’s HUG and help the management team in any way I can. As Operations Manager of the BTRC, I know exactly how and where the funding gets allocated. To date, Meagan’s HUG has raised over $6 million for research,
Christian Smith and his mother, Geraldine, at Meagan’s Walk in 2014
15