Imagine feeling inspired to fundraise for a great cause, then suddenly experiencing that cause firsthand.
That’s what happened to Sabrina Gavita, a grade 6 teacher at Leonardo da Vinci Academy Elementary School in Montreal. In early 2012, her students took a field trip to The Neuro to learn about disease in the brain. “Our principal at the time supported a non-profit that raised funds for brain tumor research at The Neuro. We thought a visit there would be provide a bit more hands-on learning for the kids,” says Sabrina. “My students had a great experience.”
Just a few months later, Sabrina would find herself spending much more time at The Neuro, but for a very different reason.
In April 2012, Sabrina’s father Panfilo was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. “My family and I were at a loss for words,” says Sabrina. “We never imagined this would happen to us, and we had no idea what to expect.”
Sabrina immediately thought of the excursion she had led to The Neuro. “This was the same hospital I had just visited with my students – which, to be honest, I had no idea even existed before that field trip – and suddenly my own father was getting treatment there.”
The journey wasn’t easy, nor did it have a happy ending. “Watching my dad deteriorate and losing him in just a few months was devastating and something we weren’t prepared for. But having taken the time to grieve and reflect on what we lived, I realize my family’s experience with brain cancer was more bearable because of the support and care we received at The Neuro.”
In 2015, to memorialize her dad, Sabrina began running with her family by her side to raise funds for The Neuro. In 2017, she teamed up with a Physical Education and Health specialist at her school to create the first Neuro Running Team, a group of motivated students and staff who run 5k races to help educate people about brain diseases and disorders while raising funds for The Neuro.
“As teachers, my colleague and I felt it was important to raise awareness of the benefits of maintaining a healthy brain through physical fitness.”
Ross Aitken, Associate Director of Annual Giving at The Neuro, has seen many former patients or family members get involved in supporting The Neuro. “Sabrina’s story resonates with many people who have ‘known’ The Neuro intimately and have also found a way to give back. Fundraising in the community, volunteering your time at the hospital, making a gift – it all truly makes a difference.”
In 2018 and 2019, Sabrina and her school participated in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, an annual series of 21k and 5k races in Montreal and elsewhere throughout Canada that helps non-profits fundraise for their causes.
“These runs are a lot of fun for students and their families, but they also let me honour my dad, whose presence brought joy, love and happiness to all of us who knew him. His love inspires us to give back in the hopes that we can build a future in which there is a cure for brain cancer.”
Despite losing her father, Sabrina says that to her and her family, The Neuro represents hope.
“I know personally the impact The Neuro can have on patients and families, especially when our loved ones are faced with challenging moments. Every step of the way matters, and you want to know you’re surrounded by people who care.”