Meagan Bebenek Foundation

Hope Changes Everything 🩷

Hero Jasper with his image from the 7% Gallery at the 25th HUG 💛

The 7% Gallery: MBF Hero Mia with our founder Denise

Mia’s journey began with a devastating diagnosis: a malignant brain tumour discovered when she was only one. Through surgery and months of chemotherapy, her mother Amy held on to hope wherever she could find it. Their first Meagan’s Walk & Hug reminded them they were not alone in this fight. Today, Mia thrives because an MBF‑supported medical trial offered her safer, more effective treatment at exactly the moment she needed it.

One week ago today, we walked through the streets of Toronto, raising our voices for a cause so deeply close to our hearts.

One week ago today, we wrapped SickKids in an embrace of hope, reminding every child and family within its walls that they are never alone.

One week ago today, you helped us raise critical funding that will help improve outcomes for children battling brain tumours.

Thank you for celebrating 25 years of hugs with us.

We’re excited to kick off the summer with our annual Swing For Hope Golf Tournament on June 29th! ⛳️

Don’t miss your chance to save — Early Bird pricing ends May 31.

Learn more and register today: https://meaganshug.crowdchange.ca/130402

Seeing thousands gather to HUG beneath the Meagan Marie Bebenek Bridge is truly powerful — a symbol of everything we’ve achieved together. 💛

The bridge represents MBF’s “bench to bedside” philosophy: transforming groundbreaking laboratory research into innovative treatments for children with brain tumours.

It stands as a reminder of why we gather each year for the HUG — and why we must continue the fight together.

Yesterday, SickKids and the Brain Tumour Research Centre (BTRC) hosted the Symposium of Hope & Impact at the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, celebrating 25 years of Meagan Bebenek Foundation and 25 years of partnership with the BTRC.

For 25 years, Dr. James Rutka, Director of the BTRC, has stood alongside MBF — helping shape our mission, advance paediatric brain tumour research, and support every HUG along the way. Hearing him reflect on our shared history and the progress made over the past quarter century was incredibly powerful, a reminder that lasting impact is built through unwavering commitment, collaboration, and hope.

Connecting with BTRC researchers and MBF Fellows brought that impact to life. Hearing the science behind the progress — weaving hope with discovery — reinforced why MBF’s funding matters and why the urgency to continue has never been greater.

The discoveries being made today are possible because of a community that continues to show up for children facing brain tumours. Events like the HUG are more than fundraisers — they are catalysts for research, innovation, and hope.

What we do tomorrow matters.

Join us on May 9th as we continue moving the needle forward — together.

https://www.jointhehug.com/

Surprise! 💛

We’re thrilled to announce that Nicolina Bozzo will be performing at the HUG! Nicolina will perform our HUG song as we circle SickKids in our powerful embrace of hope.

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Nicolina Bozzo is joining MBF once again after performing at our Night of Discovery in 2023.

You may recognize her from season 20 of American Idol, as the Canadian contestant who made it to the top 5 finalists. More recently she was a finalist on Canada’s Got Talent just last year.

We can’t wait to welcome Nicolina to our 25th HUG — a milestone moment bringing together longtime supporters and new hands alike in our Circle of Hope.

www.jointhehug.com

Sharing hope and HUGs—one crane at a time.

St. Leo’s, one of the schools in our School Program, folded more than 1,200 cranes in preparation for our 25th HUG!

Join us on May 9 to see these cranes come together as a powerful symbol of hope.

https://meaganshug.crowdchange.ca/127762