The nation-wide virtual event will raise brain tumour awareness

On June 27, the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is inviting walkers across Canada to come together for their Virtual Brain Tumour Walk.

The event will connect thousands of walkers across the country to celebrate and support everyone affected by brain tumours. This includes survivors, caregivers, health care professionals and researchers who are leading the way in finding the cause of and cure for brain tumours.

Locally, Joshua Hunt is taking on the charge as the Whitehorse ambassador for the Virtual Brain Tumour Walk.

"I'm putting my story out there for fellow survivors and to help those recently diagnosed," said Hunt.

Brain tumours can leave a person with a lifetime of side effects, even when they are removed. However, with the right tools and a few tricks, they can be managed. That is the message Hunt wants to get across.

It's been more than 20 years since Hunt underwent surgery for a non-malignant brain tumour. His symptoms began with his right hand feeling sore and stiff. As time passed, it would spasm when he moved his fingers.

He also began experiencing daily migraines, but he chalked it up to college stress and carpal tunnel syndrome.

When he visited doctors about his carpal tunnel, they noticed his right leg was also "acting funny." He was requested back for an MRI, where they discovered the brain tumour.

The news didn't devastate him, he said. Instead, it helped him get rid of irrational fears - it was just something in his head that had to be removed. Still, it left him with lasting muscle and nerve damage, but he said it hasn't stopped him from finding ways to minimize their effects.

Hunt is a comic aficionado, particularly Dr. Strange - who is a neurosurgeon. Where Dr. Strange found magic, Hunt used more down-to-earth tactics to manage his motor limitations.

He used his left side more, ice packs for migraines and goes into a dark, quiet room when over stimulated. As well, he uses a walking stick when needed and an iPhone calendar to help with his memory problems.

Family, he said, is crucial, and is the number one place to go for love and support.

Hunt works in IT, and of course now helps others diagnosed with brain tumours.

Being from Whitehorse, Hunt said there weren't many others who had experienced brain tumours he could talk to. But, he discovered the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada's online support groups.

"I want to let people out there know there's support out there and there are people to give you advice," said Hunt.

He wants people to know that their diagnosis doesn't need to loom over their entire life, and wants newly diagnosed people to see someone 20 years later living a normal life.

Ever since his first walk, Hunt has been a mainstay participating in virtual walks, and events in Vancouver and Whitehorse. He has also volunteered, handing out shirts.

"It's something I wanted to do," he said. "I'm passionate about raising money and bringing awareness for the cause. Even though it's many years in the past, I wanted to help those starting on their journeys."

Hunt said he'd like to see his fellow Yukoners band behind this cause.

"I'd like to encourage everyone to get out on the 27th to help raise awareness and get collections if they can," said Hunt. "It will be cool to see the community out for the cause."

Hunt's team is called the Defenders – aptly named after the band of heroes led by Dr. Strange.

The virtual walk is held on June 27 because every day in Canada, 27 people will learn they have a brain tumour, said a release by the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

The foundation said brain the tumour community has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with surgeries postponed and treatments rescheduled. On the research front, lab staffing and availability have also been affected.

The walk program is unofficially Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada's largest support group, so they believe it’s still important to continue virtually in a way that is safe and inclusive.

Those wishing to get involved can register as an individual or team at www. braintumourwalk.com.