Terry Fox Humanitarian Award
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award
The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award is an annual award, established in 1982 in honour of Terry Fox, granted to students who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants. It is operated as an independent, not-for-profit program, and is headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia.The award disburses up to $28,000 over four years to students studying for their first post-secondary degree or diploma. Typically, the program selects 20 recipients. In 2015, there were 21 recipients, and in 2017, there were 20 recipients chosen from 617 applications.
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Laureates (2024)
Maryam Al-Sabawi
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Maryam Al-Sabawi is 17 years old and is in her senior year at Saint André Bessette Catholic Secondary School. Leading with compassion, determination and integrity, Maryam is committed to combating Islamophobia through education and advocacy. As a visible Muslim, Maryam has experienced Islamophobia firsthand, with fears intensified after losing a close friend and family to a hate crime.Maryam has emerged as a community leader, and is founder of the Youth Coalition combating Islamophobia (YCCI) where she tirelessly works to create a safer and more inclusive environment.Through her humanitarian efforts, Maryam has inspired tangible change, displaying resilience and courage beyond her years. Through Islamic Relief Canada, Maryam has been able to make an impact abroad in trips to Bosnia, Turkey, and South Africa.Maryam explains, “It was during my most vulnerable moments that I decided that fear would not cripple me, nor define me. I realized that I cannot control what happens to me, but I can control how I choose to respond.”Maryam plans to study Governance, Leadership, and Ethics at Huron University College.
Armine Arslanian
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Breaking a cycle of mistreatment requires immense courage. Armine’s bravery in confronting years of abuse spurred her to channel that strength into establishing safe spaces for youth, ensuring they have the voice she was denied.Her dedication to community service shines through her work at The Wordswell Neighbourhood Centre, The Ruhi Training Institute, and various volunteer initiatives. Armine’s compassion, resilience, and determination to serve others have made a lasting impact on her community. Her volunteerism with the Armenian community has taught her that regardless of circumstances, one can make a difference and bring the community together.It is Armine’s belief that “Community involvement has brought me close to the reality of the people I live alongside. With tangible outcomes that benefit others, I now use my experiences and relationships with the community to empower the youth and teach them that even though they are young, they also have a voice and opinions that matter.”Now that she is 17, Armine plans to attend university, to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Isabella Bae
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Isabella’s passion for humanitarianism is one fueled by her life experiences and adversities. Isabella’s experiences and involvement in the community ignited a passion for addressing societal issues, particularly hunger and food insecurity, as well as advocating for cancer patients inspired by her late aunt’s battle.Throughout her life, Isabella has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving her community. She advocates for cancer patients, organizes events for seniors, volunteers at women’s shelters, coaches volleyball and cheerleading, and is a competitive cheerleader and role model to young athletes. Isabella consistently dedicates her time and energy to making a positive impact and being an inspiration to others.“I approach every endeavor with an open heart, driven by the desire to contribute without expecting personal gain. This altruistic mindset becomes a driving force that empowers me to overcome challenges and fuels my determination to succeed,” says Isabella.She plans on attending the University of British Columbia to study commerce and business.
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Isis Darosa
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Isis Darosa, a first-generation Canadian from a family of Vietnamese refugees, embodies resilience and compassion. Growing up amidst financial hardship, she assumed the role of a secondary parental figure for her younger autistic brother, facing racism and discrimination for her sexuality and ethnicity at school.Despite significant adversity, including homelessness during her grade 12 year, Isis remained steadfast in her pursuit of helping others. She became certified in applied behaviour analysis therapy and is a trained behavioural interventionist. Isis has over a decade of experience working with the developmentally disabled while strongly engaging in activism for minorities.Her commitment to humanitarianism is evidenced by over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, from spearheading fundraising initiatives, providing care for at-risk youth, and being the cofounder and keynote speaker annually at Kelowna Women’s Day. Isis’ remarkable dedication and unwavering spirit make her a beacon of hope and inspiration.In addition, Isis is a devoted athlete, achieving the award of Top Swimmer Representing Canada in International Children’s Games, Top Cross Country Junior Girl in Kelowna, and has obtained the title of 1st Degree MMA International Black Belt and Military Combat Diploma specializing in Street Self Defense.Isis believes that, “When we are inspired to change our negative behaviors from our own free will, our individual steps along our journey become the journey that we are all walking together to create a more equitable world for all.”Isis is continuing her studies towards a PhD of Clinical Psychology at the University of British Columbia.
Alexandra Elmslie
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
After receiving a diagnosis of severe ADHD and generalized anxiety at a young age, Alexandra struggled with managing her neurodivergence. Although her disability was invisible, its impact was very real. Upon realizing that neurodiversity was a lifelong endeavour, she dedicated her life to establishing methods of working alongside—not against—her brain. With this unique perspective, Alexandra emerged as a beacon of resilience and compassion and has since been actively supporting and advocating for others with “invisible disabilities.”Alexandra’s impact extends beyond personal triumphs, evidenced by her leadership roles and volunteer efforts. Whether conducting ADHD research at Western University’s Brain and Mind Institute, supporting occupational therapy for dementia patients at the Parkwood Mental Health Hospital, or empowering children impacted by cancer at Campfire Circle, Alexandra’s compassion and empathy shine brightly. From providing music education to disadvantaged youth, to coaching a Special Olympics swim team, to assisting therapeutic horseback riding lessons, she displays a strong commitment to supporting others and creating an equitable and inclusive environment on a local and provincial scale.“I firmly believe that psychological services are a universal human right that should be accessible to all. I hope to equip neurodiverse youth with the knowledge to identify their struggles, the courage to reach out for help when required, and the support to navigate their personal journey,” explains Alexandra.Alexandra is currently pursuing a Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience degree with Scholar’s Electives designation at Western University. Motivated by her passion for equitable psychological support, Alexandra plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and provide services to socioeconomically disadvantaged youth using her lived experience.
Jamie He
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Jamie’s narrative epitomizes resilience, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to both family and community. Raised in a small town, Jamie switched schools after experiencing bullying and racism, eventually transitioning to homeschooling at 12 to care for her ailing parents amidst her own mental health challenges. Despite these hardships, Jamie’s determination propelled her to graduate high school early and start her studies at the University of British Columbia at age 15 while assuming financial responsibilities and working to support her family. Accepted into the Transition Program for Gifted Students at UBC at a young age, Jamie excelled academically while balancing her familial duties. Her compassion extended far beyond the classroom as she fundraised for charitable causes and volunteered extensively in various capacities, from mentoring to coaching.A gifted poet and lifeguard, Jamie’s talents shine brightly, channeling her pain from her adversity into profound commitment to humanitarian causes. She is the founder of Sprouting Saplings, a non-profit organization aimed at enhancing child development, and serves as an Officer on the Humanitarian Board of UBC, where she presented on the stigma of reproductive health at a conference this year.Jamie tells us that “Despite the hardships I have faced, my heart does not slowly beat: it pounds more robustly than ever, waiting for the next challenge.”Just finished with her first year, Jamie looks forward to embarking on her nursing studies at the University of British Columbia, laying the groundwork for a career in medicine.
Kate Hunter
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Facing a phobia of needles alongside a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at a young age was no small hurdle for Kate. The triumph over this fear was pivotal, enabling her to manage her health independently and sparking her dedication to fundraising for a cure as a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation ambassador.Kate balances her French immersion education while devoting time to coaching the school swim team, working as a Lifeguard, and playing competitive rugby. Her commitment to inclusivity extends to fostering a more accessible environment, such as providing accommodations for the hearing-impaired students in her school. From advocating for diversity to volunteering with Nightshift Ministries to serve meals to the homeless, Kate consistently exhibits empathy and initiative. Her dedication to community service, coupled with her resilience and compassion sets her apart as an aspiring humanitarian and leader.“Being able to experience my actions improving the lives of others has shaped me into the person I am today. It inspires me to continue helping others whenever I am given the chance,” says Kate.Kate is looking forward to advancing her education with a business degree while continuing her volunteer work and service to others.
Christel Mazzek
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Christel’s journey from Aleppo, Syria, to Canada stands as a testament to her resilience and compassion. Enduring the turmoil of fleeing the war in her home country at age six, she spent five years in Lebanon before resettling in Canada. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, Christel has emerged as a guiding light of hope and unity within her community, while maintaining a 99% average throughout her high school years. Known for her artistic talent and steadfast determination, she utilizes her experiences to build bridges with others facing isolation. As a result, she has founded an art club in her school community and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of her school’s newspaper.Christel’s impact extends far and wide as she actively participates in social justice initiatives, volunteers at local art galleries, and holds the position as Chief of Marketing for the youth-led Vancouver Kindness Movement. Her story serves as a source of inspiration to all who encounter it, a reminder of the transformative power of resilience and kindness in overcoming adversity.As Christel looks to the future, she shares, “The impact I seek goes beyond personal academic accomplishments; it is focused on ensuring the well-being of others and the environment.”Christel plans to begin her undergraduate journey at the University of British Columbia in the fall and hopes to pursue medicine in the future.
Shubh Patel
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Shubh’s journey embodies resilience, empathy, and an unyielding commitment to positive change. Born in India, Shubh overcame cultural challenges and discrimination as an immigrant in Canada. His early struggles with financial hardship and fibrous dysplasia inspired him to ensure others face fewer obstacles, deeply shaping his humanitarian spirit.As past President at his high school and the University of Calgary’s Health Sciences Students’ Association, and as a President of his medical school’s class at the University of Toronto, Shubh has advocated fiercely for student wellness, equity, diversity, and inclusion. His leadership has significantly impacted his community, particularly through anti-bullying and mental health destigmatization initiatives.Leading the Interact and Rotaract Clubs, Shubh spearheaded projects that raised over $120,000 for charity. As a volunteer with Alberta Health Services, Shubh spearheaded significant improvements in patient care across 19 facilities. His efforts with Medical Makers introduced sustainable, 3D-printed healthcare solutions to underserved areas worldwide.Awarded the Schulich Leader Scholarship for his academic and community service achievements, Shubh co-founded The Debtless Students, helping secure over $3M in scholarships for students facing financial barriers.Shubh tells us, “As a student, my passion fuels my curious and diligent nature. As a leader, I use my passion as one of my many ways to move others in the community to create a positive change. As a humanitarian, my passion fuels my desire to make someone’s life better than it is.”Shubh is currently studying Medicine at the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
Baljot Rai
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Embodying selfless service, Baljot’s experiences and perspectives fuel him to advocate for others. His journey is marked with adversity, from experiencing intergenerational trauma and racism to prejudice for his turban. However, instead of letting these challenges define him, Baljot uses them as a driving force for his service to others.Drawing from familial experiences with incarceration, Baljot is committed to restoring the dignity of inmates who belong to minority faiths by providing them with spiritual and religious resources. He founded the ‘One in All’ Project, which supplies religious, spiritual, and self-improvement resources to inmates in Manitoba prisons, collaborating with leaders from various faiths to ensure inclusivity and to address the ongoing human rights violations occurring within prison walls. Recently, he has been working with the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation to expand the reach of this project to Indigenous inmates.Despite a multitude of pressures and expectations, Baljot has continued to forge his own path. He participates in many extracurricular activities while continuing to excel academically. He serves as a leader for the Youth in Philanthropy Club, organizes educational campaigns on poverty and reconciliation, and advocates for human rights and social justice within his school and broader community.Baljot’s compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication propel him towards the future. He strongly believes that youth must shun the status quo and take action against the issues which have been neglected for far too long.He tells us, “The next generation must be the generation of humanitarians, for our world has endured far too much for conflict to continue. Ensuring that everyone’s dignity is respected is a value close to my heart.”Baljot will study Water Science and Interfaith Studies at the University of British Columbia.
Diya Reddy
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Diya’s empowerment lies in her ability to transform adversity into strength. She was pulled out of a domestic violent environment and navigated her youth alongside her resilient single mom. Diya faced socio-economic challenges through her childhood and battled both mental and physical health issues, along with bullying. Despite these challenges, she stays persistent in channeling her strength towards empowering women and women’s health while maintaining honour roll grades.This eighteen-year-old community leader is selfless with her time, and is President of the student council, a member of the school swim team, and a committed volunteer at Kinsmen Lodge and Surrey Women’s Center. She is often commended for her maturity, determination, and willingness to tackle challenges head on. Diya serves as a role model to her peers. As the youngest advocate for Surrey Women’s Center, Diya’s compassion and dedication for affecting change led her to winning a nation-wide competition, advocating to stop domestic violence against marginalized women.Diya shares that, “I wholeheartedly believe that working with women and advocating for their rights and health was what I was bound for. I also believe that change starts with one person, and if I help that one person, that’s one step closer to making a difference.”Diya aspires to become the first female doctor in her family, running a clinic that would specialize in women’s health. She will be attending Simon Fraser University where she will be studying Health Sciences.
Monica Tonlé
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Monica Tonlé, the eldest child of a first-generation immigrant family, epitomizes resilience and compassion. Despite facing challenges, such as caring for her ill grandmother and enduring bullying for her ethnicity in school, Monica’s commitment to her community and academic excellence remains unwavering.With over 2,000 hours of volunteer work, she spearheaded numerous initiatives, including tutoring programs and leadership workshops, earning admiration for her dedication. Monica’s leadership extends beyond academics, as she fosters unity and understanding among her peers and within her communities, embodying empathy, and maturity.Her remarkable ability to communicate effectively and solve problems creatively makes her an invaluable asset. Monica’s passion for humanitarianism is reflected in her involvement in various social and environmental projects, earning her prestigious awards and recognition. With her intelligence, empathy, and dedication, Monica is poised to make a significant impact wherever her journey takes her.Monica shares, “Experience taught me that no matter how hopeless a situation seems, you can make a decision and bring about a positive change. No matter how small, it’s a change in the right direction and courage is not always measured in big actions, sometimes [it is measured] by the strength to raise your head.”Monica is currently studying Medicine at McGill University.
Machaila Wesch-Dawson
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
As an advocate for change, Machaila’s journey is one of triumph over adversity. Confronting bullying and a lack of support at school during her formative years, she battled depression, sparking her passion for student mental health advocacy. Faced with these challenges, this aspiring Olympian demonstrated resilience, excelling in an array of sports including speed skating, cross country/track and field, and triathlon as well as participating in theatre and improvisation.Her dedication to athletics is paralleled by her commitment to academic excellence and community service. Beyond the realm of sports, Machaila actively supports marginalized groups and champions mental health awareness. Her community involvement also extends to efforts supporting her love for animals and the environment.With unwavering resolve and kindness, Machaila emerges as an inspiring role model and humanitarian. Her accomplishments in academia, athletics and volunteerism exemplify her exceptional character and dedication to making a difference.Machaila shares, ”I am someone who loves and dedicates her life to sport, while also having a passion for helping those around me and those in my community. I find the most fulfillment where these two passions meet.” Through humanitarian efforts, she hopes to continue to promote good mental and physical health by encouraging more young girls to become and remain involved in sports.Machaila graduated from École Secondaire Monseigneur Bruyère in London, Ontario. She will continue to pursue her athletic goals concurrently with a degree in biology at Université Laval. She hopes to work towards a PhD in marine biology after her undergraduate studies.
Geneva White
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2024
Geneva is a staunch advocate for mental health awareness and actively addresses global healthcare disparities.Her humanitarian efforts span across borders, from spearheading a medical clinic support initiative in Costa Rica to implementing health education programs in Ghana. Recognized with prestigious awards such as the United States Presidential Volunteer Gold Service Award, and the Stars of Alberta Award, Geneva’s commitment to public health and social equity remains steadfast. She volunteers in health care research and has published in peer reviewed international journals.Within her community, Geneva serves as a catalyst for change as a founding editor of her school newspaper, creating initiatives such as the Charity Spotlight, diversity advocacy and support of mental health. Her dedication to inclusivity and diversity is evident in her advocacy work and educational pursuits.Geneva’s remarkable achievements, coupled with her compassionate spirit, mark her as a beacon of hope and inspiration, leaving an indelible impact on those she encounters.As Geneva explains, “The world has never been more connected or influenced by remote events. Therefore, as a global citizen, it is my responsibility to act on worldwide issues and make an impactful change both in my hometown and abroad.”Driven by her passion for addressing healthcare inequities and promoting social justice, Geneva plans touse her education to embrace risk, problem-solve and fuel her drive for social change. She is pursuing a Bachelor of combined Arts and Science at McMaster and plans to continue her advocacy in journalism.
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Laureates (2023)
Zahraa Abdul Hasan
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
Zahraa faced many obstacles in high school that hindered her ability to complete her studies traditionally. She sustained multiple concussions, forcing her to take a year off to recover. Instead of discouraging her, the time in hospital inspired Zahraa to give back to her community.Since the age of 15, Zahraa has been working with Providence Care Hospital (PCH). She spent summers mentoring high school students in the Summer Youth Program, where she led hospital-wide programs such as painting rocks, playing bingo, and going outside with the patients. Zahraa also hosted annual fundraisers like book sales, where the proceeds go to the Patient Comfort Fund (to provide patients with necessities not limited to clothes and toiletries).In grade 11, Zahraa faced another setback in a car accident. She remained resilient by balancing her therapy appointments with full-time studies. Zahraa bounced back stronger and helped initiate the Friendly Visiting Program at PCH. As the Friendly Visiting Lead, she trained volunteers and advocated to combat loneliness, which is prevalent in the patient population.Zahraa’s experiences have motivated her to pursue a career in healthcare, specifically in medicine. Her ultimate goals are to improve the quality of life and alleviate the pain and suffering she witnessed first-hand.As Zahraa explains, “My experiences with being hospitalized for my injuries sparked my interest in volunteer work. I found it inspiring to see volunteers around me. They were among the first to welcome me and make me feel comfortable at my most vulnerable time. I specifically found it encouraging to see young volunteers my age. This prompted me to donate my time to my community.”Zahraa is working towards her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Queen’s University.
Rhea Bhalla
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
Rhea was born with a speech disability which left her functionally mute for the first decade of her life. Through her role as an active advocate and member of the disability community, she aims to use her lived and volunteer experiences to advance disability justice.Today, Rhea has founded national and regional support groups with the Canadian Stuttering Association and has lead workshops at their national conference. She has authored research papers in peer-reviewed journals, medaled at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, presided as president in her high school science club, and Rhea also volunteers at her local nursing home.Rhea tells us, “For myself, and the many other Canadians with disabilities, our lives are shaped by the lasting legacy of Terry Fox, the most famous disabled person in Canadian history. In bringing awareness to the disabled community while facing immense challenges, Terry Fox redefined societal views on persons with disabilities. His achievements set the foundation for many others to break down the social and institutional barriers limiting persons with disabilities. By following in the footsteps of Terry Fox, I hope to continue the work [that is] so vital to helping our community flourish. In the future, my dedication to working with people with disabilities will guide my work as a physician committed to serving disabled patients.”Rhea plans to begin her undergraduate journey at the University of Manitoba and hopes to pursue medicine.
Maïa Feki
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
In her quest for identity, she struggled to find her place in her new home, especially in her younger years. Growing up, she was teased and bullied for being different, and it took her years to rekindle a love for her Arab identity.Due to severe bullying in her youth, Maïa was forced to transfer schools. It was a move that allowed her to shine. She graduated from Collège Saint-Alexandre de la Gatineau, with the médaille d’excellence, which is a highly prestigious award based on overall GPA, and community involvement.While maintaining her grades, Maïa found the time to play basketball and coach basketball for an elementary school. During this time, she was class president, became a lifeguard, and was an ambassador for the Canadian Association for the United Nations. She also volunteered for the Maison Mathieu-Froment-Savoie, a non-profit palliative care center approved by Accreditation Canada.She is now part of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, representing her community at the national level.“Being bullied represents the worst moments of my life, but I dared to take away positive changes from this situation. It made me a better friend since I never want people to feel abandoned the way I did. That is why I promised myself to prioritize others’ well-being which ultimately influenced my professional aspirations. Looking back on these obstacles, I can take away positive changes and use my wisdom to help others living similar situations,” says Feki.Maïa is hoping to pursue a career in medicine at McGill University.
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Sophie Duncan
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
Dyslexia has been a prominent obstacle for Sophie since she was a child. Throughout school, she has consistently needed to go the extra mile. Sophie also learned early, the importance of hard work, grit, and a positive outlook. The perseverance and resilience Sophie developed while coping with the challenges of her learning disability has now become one of her greatest assets.Sophie’s actions speak of courage, initiative, and humanitarianism. In middle school, she was inspired to help others and travelled to Laos for four weeks, where she volunteered to teach English in a children’s hospital. Sophie has had leadership roles within the Special Olympics community, including Team Unified Basketball (an inclusive sports program bringing athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together), and as a coach with a local Special Olympics Swim program.Sophie is an accomplished endurance athlete, competing in swimming, running and triathlons. She enjoys sharing her passion while coaching youth in these sports.She shares; “Being active helps my mind and body stay healthy, stable, and motivated. I was thrilled to compete for Nova Scotia at the 2023 Summer Canada Games in triathlon. I worked tirelessly for this goal. I needed to train twice daily while balancing school as a dyslexic student…. Due to my learning disability, I understand what it is like to struggle and feel that I can relate well to others who might also struggle for various reasons. I have learned to embrace differences in others. I get joy from helping others and have learned to give back to my community and school.”Sophie plans to attend St. Francis Xavier University for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Isabella Gallo
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
When Isabella was 13 years old, she and her family left everything behind and fled to a domestic violence shelter. After moving out of the shelter, Isabella had to switch schools abruptly and rebuild her life, which include making new connections and friendships during COVID-19.Struggling financially, Isabella worked a part-time job to save money for university. In 2022, Isabella’s mom returned to school, leaving Isabella with more responsibilities at home. Despite her immense workload, Isabella nurtured her commitment to humanitarianism by volunteering with a hockey team, at her library as a part of the Teen Advisory Team, and many school events. She volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society, running two Relay for Life Events and beat the school’s previous fundraising goals. She also baked monthly donations for youth experiencing homelessness in her community. Isabella excels at school and has won several academic awards.Isabella also brought positivity and encouragement as a leader in her school’s Student Council and school board’s Student Senate, where she focused on representing and advocating on behalf of students. She has also taken part in the Environmental Stewardship Committee, where she promoted practices which focused on the environment’s well-being.For Isabella, “Homelessness was a peculiar feeling because it was the first place I ever felt at home. We had to leave everything behind and consequently started living below the poverty line. I am grateful for that shelter because it saved my life and helped me understand the importance of learning from obstacles. I promised myself I would give back and help those in need in the same way I was given help.”Now that she is 18, Isabella plans to pursue her interests in human rights and fashion at university, to become a fashion designer and lawyer.
Joesh KhunKhun
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
Joesh has ADHD, dysgraphia, and dyslexia and has often felt misunderstood, frustrated, and stigmatized. His neurodiversity created obstacles in his academic, extracurricular, and social pursuits. It also impacted his mental health and sense of self.He volunteers with the Stigma Free Society as a Youth Ambassador, speaking to schools across Canada about stigma and mental health.Joesh is the Society’s youngest Stigma-Free Virtual School Presenter. He courageously shares his challenges and triumphs about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning differences with students across Canada. Joesh is also contributes to the development of lesson plans at Society. He has helped with ADHD lesson plans which have been implemented into the school curriculum.He utilizes his immense learning struggles at school and his firsthand knowledge of mental illness to empower peers. Joesh has delivered impactful presentations to almost 6,000 students across Canada. His words of encouragement about severe hardship brings hope to young people with similar challenges. He is also an influential TEDx speaker who promotes youth-friendly, connected, and healthy communities. As a public speaker, he has spoken for organizations such as The David Suzuki Foundation, Science World, BC Children’s Hospital, Punjabi Kids Health, and UBC’s Neuroethics Department. It is rare to see someone of his age demonstrating the level of courage and leadership Joesh does while facing societal and self-stigma.Joesh envisions, “In the future, I hope to continue to combine the power of public speaking, personal stories, and scientific information to reduce stigma, create hope, and move the needle toward a more tolerant and healthy society. I have been so fortunate to have been able to share my personal story in service of the greater good. This gave me a sense of purpose at a very young age and showed me that I could make a positive difference in the world just by being me.”Joesh plans to pursue medicine at university.
Marin MacPherson
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
Marin was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at a young age, but that has not slowed her down. She participates in numerous community activities, sports, and academics. She has been highly involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in promoting awareness for juvenile diabetes and has led several fundraisers in the hopes of improving the lives of those with Type 1 Diabetes.Marin’s challenges have been augmented by illness in her immediate family. These experiences have inspired her efforts to support her own family through employment as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and to give back to the community as a humanitarian. Marin volunteers with Beagle Paws, Flowers for Ukraine, as well as Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at her church. She has been recognized as a leader by SHAD Canada, French for the Future National Ambassador, and the Vimy Pilgrimage Award.Marin believes; “To me, a humanitarian is someone who will fight for a fair and just world no matter the circumstances. Despite my challenges, or perhaps because [consequently, because of them], I am always the first to step up to offer a helping hand. Terry Fox and I both play basketball, are distance runners, high school athletes of the year, and determined people that face health obstacles, but I feel our true similarities lie in our drive to leave the world better than we found it.”Marin will begin her Bachelor of Science in Engineering at the University of New Brunswick.
Siobhán Marie
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
Diagnosed with Lyme Disease at thirteen, Siobhán faced challenges that made her believe it is essential to foster hope in other young people with disabilities. Although Lyme Disease affects her physical and mental wellbeing, she has learned to view her experiences as an opportunity for personal growth.Siobhán’s advocacy for free menstrual products with the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association led to systemic change at the provincial level through a three-year grant. Acting as the Student Trustee for Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington District School Board, Siobhán has positively impacted over 15,000 students.The COVID-19 pandemic limited everyone in different ways, but Siobhán viewed it as an opportunity to help the needs of marginalized people. She founded the healthy living program ‘Stepping Stones’, which promotes physical wellbeing, substance use prevention, and mental wellness. Siobhán has helped families in need by providing grant-funded recreational opportunities and donating to local breakfast programs.Siobhán’s work in and outside the classroom is equally impressive. She maintained a 98.4% academic average in Grade 11 and 12. Her value for education is driven as well as exemplified by her goal to create educational inclusivity, which is evidenced by Siobhán’s extensive volunteering in the Special Education Resource Department of a local elementary school.“My experience living with Lyme Disease, combined with my humanitarian efforts, has taught me that perseverance, empathy, and determination are instrumental in making a long-lasting impact. In honour of Terry Fox, I will continue to persevere and find positivity in my experiences to empower current and future generations of the world,” says Siobhán Marie.Siobhán plans to pursue a career in education and looks forward to continuing her humanitarianism work while studying at Queen’s University.
Nyla Nasir
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
As the eldest daughter of a refugee who sought asylum due to lack of religious freedom, Nyla grew up thinking her identity was wrong since it had caused so much pain and loss.Nyla has been active in student politics from a young age and was elected Student Trustee in grade 11. In her role, she has advocated on behalf of 50,000 students. Understanding the importance of education and mentorship, Nyla spent over 200 hours tutoring underprivileged children. She provided educational support to struggling children and their parents. This experience made her determined to ensure no one is left behind.Being the compassionate person she is, Nyla noticed a lack of effective communication harming the well-being of children with special needs and others during summer camp. To resolve this, she researched and implemented more innovative programming such as how to make games and activities more equitable, the employment of visual aids for children with autism, and how to optimize schedules for children with ADHD.During the pandemic, Nyla founded the Canadian chapter of Horizon Networks, a non-profit aimed at combating isolation faced by seniors in care homes.As Nyla sees it, “Being a first-generation child comes at a heavy price. We have to bear the immense guilt that our parents left their home countries to give us a better life, which comes with huge responsibilities. It involves staying true to yourself and not losing your values while navigating the complex world of the multiple identities we develop. At times it was a struggle and drain on my mental health, but it helped me develop the resilience, focus, and determination to create a better future for myself and others.”Nyla will be attending Harvard in Fall 2023. She aspires to become an OB-GYN to combat the stigmas surrounding female health in marginalized communities.
Dustin Neal
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
Dustin’s world changed in 2017 when their single mother became disabled due to a workplace injury. Going from an economically secure foundation to one of low income required them to become creative and dedicated to overcoming adversity.Additionally, Dustin has experienced and continues to experience various health issues. They have managed significant health issues due to seizures as an infant and toddler, have had repeated ear surgeries and speech therapies in childhood, and now have lifelong autoimmune disorders. These obstacles fuel their deep and sustaining compassion for others and were responsible for their desire to volunteer.As a growing learner, Dustin established the first Gender-Sexuality Alliance Club and organized the Delegation of the United Nations at their high school, collaborated with the 4H Club, assisted as a volunteer swimming instructor at the local pool, and supported countless horseback riding lessons for people with disabilities at a nearby therapeutic riding barn.Dustin shares, “While these challenges have impacted me, I recognize that suffering and disadvantage can catalyze personal growth and that hindrances are often strong motivators for change. My obstacles widened my empathy for others and were responsible for my desire to volunteer, and foster an environment of support, compassion, and hope for anyone facing hardships. There is always someone willing to help, and being that person strengthens my belief in interconnectedness and the kindness that can be woven into our lives.”Dustin aspires to become a veterinarian, to provide affordable equestrian care through therapeutic barns and to offer health-based programming for people with disabilities. They will pursue their studies at the University of Guelph.
Shaina Rajwani
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
Shaina struggles with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. She has experienced significant exclusion and has been overlooked in various situations due to her physical disability. As an empathetic, innovative, individual she advocates and perseveres and does not let this limit her opportunities. Shaina views her challenges as a strength, which allows her to lead by example, and bridge gaps in society.As a member and Colony Scouter of the 13th Burnaby Ismaili Scouting Group, Shaina led a project where she educated youth on the importance of creating access to basic needs. She has also collected over 130 pounds of food for the Muslim Food Bank during the month of Ramadan.She is also a Religious Education Teacher with the Ismaili Tariqa Religious Education Board, where she educates youth ages five and up on Ismaili Identity. This role has guided her own journey to self-acceptance and allowed her to model how to gain confidence in who you are, and how to believe in oneself and one’s own abilities, with her students and others around her. Shaina demonstrates how courage is not always a roaring voice; it can also be a quiet voice that says, “I will try again and not let my challenges define me.”Shaina believes: “By acquiring knowledge in [neuroscience], I can help onlookers understand the extent of how various neurological challenges affect quality of life, and through my research findings, foster the awareness required to build a society that not only empathizes with individuals with disabilities but supports them in achieving their aspirations.”Shaina will be pursuing a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience at Simon Fraser University.
Orion Remoquillo
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
Orion has Tourette’s Syndrome, which has created significant barriers throughout his life and made it a challenge to fit in socially with his peers, and at school. He has worked extremely hard to manage his condition through medication and therapy. Orion thrived in high school and worked tirelessly towards the inclusion of special needs students.Orion has made incredible strides and improved his confidence and overall well-being in the past three years. He volunteered for over 600 hours through school and helped with Special Olympics. He continued to expand his humanitarian efforts by helping special needs students with many different activities, including crafts, karaoke, bike riding, board games, and providing support in gym class.Orion shares how, “In my high school, I noticed some peers with special needs were isolated from the student body. Reflecting on my own experiences of feeling different, I decided to do something about this issue. This began my extensive work with special needs students in my school [when] I began my grade ten year. I began by volunteering during lunch hours to socialize during fun activities such as bingo and board games. These initial experiences gave me great joy and inspired me to find ways to include my peers in the social fabric of my school. When I started volunteering with the kids with Special Needs, I volunteered to make changes in their lives, but I never knew how much they would help change mine. Forming relationships with the kids and teachers I volunteer alongside with helped make me the best version of myself.”Orion plans to study Physical Health and Education at the University of Winnipeg.
Nancy Shnoudeh
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
Nancy is an avid volunteer, having served on numerous committees during high school and created her own initiative, the Birthday Box. The Birthday Box is an initiative which curates exciting boxes and delivers them to paediatric patients on their birthday. Nancy plans to share the Birthday Box initiative with schools across Ontario to make it available to hospitals and patients across the entire province.Nancy is also the President of her school’s Best Buddies chapter and Mental Health Council. She leads meetings and organizes events in both committees with the goal of creating more inclusive communities. Through Best Buddies she helps to nourish friendships between students, some of whom struggle with intellectual/developmental disabilities.Nancy has overcome her own challenges with mental health and recognizes that mental health struggles can be a prominent hindrance to student success. She is therefore committed to ending the mental health stigma so that every student feels valued and understood. Her work on the Mental Health Council is a first step to what she hopes to accomplish long-term.Nancy is passionate about making our world a more inclusive place. She plans to engineer solutions to problems that impact human welfare. Nancy is an entrepreneurial-minded individual who aims to create a niche between STEM and humanitarianism.Nancy tells us, “I am inspired by the potential to create positive change and [am] motivated to make these changes a reality.”Nancy will be studying Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto in Fall 2023.
Sasha Wessels
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
In 2021 Sasha was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Ewing’s Sarcoma in her left pelvis bone and lungs and faced a bleak prognosis. Sasha is now in remission after many cycles of intense chemotherapy, numerous sessions of proton and photon radiation, and a life-altering surgery.During her cancer treatments, Sasha completed school courses online AND continued volunteering. She has created a social media presence to help teen patients get through treatment.Sasha continued to serve her community through Girl Guides, Key Club, and her school’s leadership program. In April 2023, Sasha attended the Global Student Leadership Summit in London, Ontario, where she learned skills that will benefit her school’s leadership program.According to Sasha, “My cancer took many things away, but it would not take my hope. This past summer, I was officially announced to be in remission, and I couldn’t be happier. I have always felt that one of my greatest strengths has been my ability to see the silver lining in difficult situations. Cancer has changed my entire outlook and perspective on my life and how I want to live it. I feel as though I have had blinders on to the real world until now, and I am ecstatic that they have been removed. This realization relates to a profound connection I feel towards Terry Fox.”Sasha plans to study Political Science at UBC.
Sophia Young
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2023
Despite facing racism, prejudice, and associated mental health challenges, Sophia has become an agent of change who demonstrates how every child can succeed.As a strong advocate for comprehensive and equitable municipal environmental policy, Sophia wrote and recited a poem to Regina City Council. Due to her courage, Sophia was invited to the Community Advisory Group as the sole contributor under 18. Her advocacy helped achieve unanimous approval by the Regina City Council for its Energy and Sustainability Framework, which is Regina’s plan to become near-net zero by 2050.Sophia wants to ensure nobody is left behind, especially marginalized community members. As the co-chair of Regina Energy Transition, Sophia has successfully led and advocated for fare-free public transit for youth under 13, which reduces transportation and financial barriers for families. Sophia has thrived despite adversity. She has earned twenty-two academic awards and finished Grade 11 with a 99.89% average. Her humanitarianism is demonstrated in her role as Chair of Miller4Nature Permaculture Club, Peer Leader for new immigrants with the Regina Open Door Society, and Co-founder of Worthy Purpose – a student action group that aims to address the structural roots of poverty, and as Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association (SWNA) 2023 Junior Citizen of the Year.Sophia believes, “Although the journey is challenging, passion gives me the strength to persevere. I hope my story can inspire other youth to uplift their community despite their challenges because together we can build a better world.”Sophia plans to study engineering at the University of Alberta.
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Laureates (2022)
Mikayla Astroff
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Mikayla is an exceptional student and humanitarian leader currently attending the University of Guelph, who has dedicated herself to helping others. She uses her own experiences with mental health challenges to help others, including founding Youth Voices of Ontario to promote student discussion of mental health in high schools.Mikayla has faced challenges in relation to her mental health, but over the years, she has demonstrated her resilience and learned to balance her commitments with healthy, active living while continuing to contribute to the welfare of others. She led the Wellness Initiative Council and We Unite clubs at her school, founded on the idea of helping others. Additionally, she worked extensively with 360°Kids Shelter for At-Risk and Homeless Youth in various roles to help youth in her region.During the pandemic, Mikayla adapted to online learning, continued to excel in academics, and ensured that the clubs she was involved in continued to run despite the restrictions. She led initiatives to encourage others to find community, creating much-needed, inclusive spaces for all.Aspiring to become a wildlife veterinarian and conservationist, Mikayla’s desire to help others extends beyond her peers as she prepares to continue advocating for the protection of the environment, as well as biodiversity and wildlife conservation.“I realized that by stepping outside of myself, I am making a meaningful contribution by advocating, listening, and mentoring; and although seemingly negligible, small actions inspire great impact.” – Mikayla Astroff
Paityn Bobay
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Paityn is an exceptional advocate, for the rights of people with financial barriers, to access services and community opportunities. She has worked tirelessly to help others break free from the cycle of poverty through fundraisers and programs aimed at inclusion and equality. Having faced financial difficulties as a self-sufficient teen, Paityn understands the profound impact poverty and exclusion can have on individuals and families and the complexity of requiring emotional and physical support.Paityn has developed and organized fundraisers, raising thousands of dollars to give students extracurricular opportunities they otherwise could not afford. She further fights against the scourge of poverty by working for food organization services and encouraging the community to place orders and donate for individuals in need. She further acted in a lead role and was the spokesperson for St Joseph’s School’s play to fundraise money for the local hospital. The fundraiser promoted human welfare through financial support for healthcare and raised $10,000 for the hospital.
Aspiring to become a neurosurgeon, Paityn is committed to discovering a deeper understanding of the brain’s full function and the causes of neurological disorders to alleviate the distress that individuals face. Her experiences with poverty inspire her to also dedicate her future career to advocating for the less fortunate and encouraging better, more equitable healthcare.
“I have the motivation to become the kind of surgeon I envision, one who will strive for equal accessibility and understanding. Surgeons are more than just the doctors of their patients. They are members of a worldwide team driven to create a better way of life for citizens of the entire world.” – Paityn Bobay
Brendon Gallacher
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Brendon was raised in a single-parent household and grew up financially stressed. Past traumas from bullying and other childhood experiences have challenged his mental health, but he perseveres and embodies a genuine leader’s resilience and positive determination.Brendon has turned trauma into leadership skills and commitment to the community. A sports team captain, Brendon combines his outstanding skills with a strong sense of discipline and sportsmanship while maintaining Honour Roll grades.As a volunteer baseball coach with the Mahoney Bears Baseball program in Hamilton, Ontario, Brendon supports and mentors children at the non-profit drop-in camp. At St. John Elementary School, he brings joy to children and families by producing videos of students engaging in the arts, such as musicals and skits. He is also an ambassador at his high school, working with new students to help them adapt.Brendon aspires to become a school teacher. His words describe it best, “I know my future needs to be spent helping people, and I have known that for a very long time. I have just learned that I can use my past as fuel for others’ futures. I don’t know who I’m going to help along the way, I don’t know how many, but I know that changing the world starts with changing the life of a single person for the better, and that is exactly what I’m going to do one person at a time.” – Brendon Gallacher
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Cassandra Gillen
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
From a young age, Cassandra has dedicated herself to helping others. As a Special Olympics coach, Member of Greg Kelly’s Youth Council, and Pointe-Claire Youth Advisory Board member, she embodies humanitarianism in youth. Through her volunteerism and fundraising efforts, she has raised enough money to build a school in India, physically helped build a school in Ecuador, raised money to help pay for a clean water system in India, raised money for Montreal Children’s Hospital, and provided meals to school children in Haiti.Her work for Girl Guides of Canada has seen her sit on the National Youth Council being the voice for girls today, serve as the youngest person to sit on the Provincial Quebec Council as the Youth Forum Chair, and co-lead two unitsWhile in the North South Studies program at Dawson College, Cassandra plans to continue helping others through further studies at university in International Development. She aspires to represent Canada abroad and eventually serve her community as an elected official.“I hope that at some point, I have inspired others as well to take their own actions for what they believe in and find their way to pay it forward. Every small positive action creates a ripple, and with enough of these ripples, we will together form a wave of positive change.” – Cassandra Gillen
Chloe Gylander
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
During a fundraising run, it was a chance encounter to raise awareness for homelessness that changed Chloe’s life and put her on her path to humanitarianism. It was a cold November day in Edmonton when she stopped to give supplies to a homeless man she had encountered along the run, and his words have stayed with her since: “It is tough to be on the streets, especially in the winter. But each day I tell myself that every day I get through is one day closer to summer”.This encounter helped Chloe realize her passion for helping those in need. She has since raised thousands for the Make A Wish Foundation and worked to support and fundraise for Edmonton’s Ronald McDonald House. She is a Leader of the Graduate Council at Jasper Place High School, Captain of multiple Food Drives, Volunteer at the Edmonton Food Bank, and Peer Tutor.Chloe is also an accomplished athlete. At 15, she earned her spot on the boys tackle football team and became a vital team member. Overcoming the doubts and biases of others, she fought for her spot and demonstrated she belonged on the team that would become her sports family.The years of hard work captaining sports teams, volunteering at food banks and running community events taught her about leadership, communication, and passion for giving back. She is currently studying Psychology at the University of Alberta and aspiring to be a Lawyer, Psychologist or Teacher, all with the goal of helping others.“I am 18 years old and know my time is limited; I don’t need to trust the process leading to my future, I need to create it. I may not have run across Canada like Terry Fox, but I share the same dedication to my goals; my life is my marathon. I will empower others to have confidence in themselves, sports and their community” – Chloe Gylander
David He
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
David is an outstanding leader and community representative. In 2017, he founded The Global Spotlight Foundation, an international student initiative that transforms youth into changemakers through stories and mentorship. Since then, David has led numerous community projects, including human libraries, conferences, and town halls. He has proudly delivered three TEDx talks and represented Canada through the Human Rights Conference in Copenhagen, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the 2019 Vimy Pilgrimage Award and as a Yale Young Global Scholar.During the pandemic, David served on COVID-19 Community Youth Town Halls, reaching out to all levels of government to host virtual town halls in support of youth awareness while launching the Helping Heroes online platform to connect community members during lockdown.Last year, David was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to provide policy advice to the Government of Canada through his Youth Council. As one of its leaders, David successfully advocated for the national conversion therapy ban and for increased funding for marginalized communities in the federal budget.David’s strength and determination come in part from his struggles growing up. By changing his health through diet and habits, he’s had a series of personal transformations that he uses as motivation for community change. David’s perseverance, disciple, leadership skills and love of community make him stand out. He aspires to study political science or marketing and give back through public service.“I feel incredibly proud to take on this role of fostering safe spaces for my peers to share who they are without inhibition. It’s inspired me to continue on this path in life and serve as a policymaker in our federal government — helping create a more inclusive Canada that works for everyone.” – David He
Justin Langan
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Justin is a Métis, LGBTQ2+ Youth from a small rural town of Swan River, Manitoba. Despite the challenges of racial stereotypes and bullying he faced and the ensuing battles with anxiety, he has emerged as an important youth leader in Manitoba.Justin serves as a Student Representative on the Louis Riel Institute Board of Directors, Student Representative of Canadian International Council MB, and Male Co-President of the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Students Association.Humanitarianism has been at the forefront of his volunteerism and advocacy since his early teens. He has been involved with the Manitoba Métis Federation since 2015, volunteering at hundreds of events, helping to establish Youth Committees in all seven regions in Manitoba, establishing Youth representatives at the local level, and helping pass funding for Métis Youth initiatives.Since 2019 he has volunteer-led the “Recording our History” Métis Elder and Youth interviews for the Northwest Métis Council, filming Elders and Youth from the Northwest region of Manitoba in an interview format. In 2022, he founded an Indigenous youth clothing brand called “O’KANATA Apparel,” in which 10% of each purchase supports Indigenous Youth through scholarships and community support.Justin is attending the University of Manitoba to study political science and is looking forward to a career as a Politician, Filmmaker, or Journalist. Aptly, his motto is: “It’s important to learn from others as much as you learn from a textbook.”“I believe it’s imperative to fight for what can be improved in our world and to keep on fighting even if you get tired of life getting in the way. The message that the world can be a better place lives on, and it lives on through Terry’s legacy and through the Terry Fox Foundation. Life’s a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s worth the journey even more if you have hope.” – Justin Langan
Katrina Lengsavath
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Katrina’s dedication to community has made volunteerism a life-long passion for her. She volunteered as a
Production Assistant for Meraki Theatre Productions, an independent theatre company whose mission is to make
meaningful experiences that create change and nurture compassion, for their children’s play “Quest” during
Winnipeg Fringe Festival in 2019. Katrina was soon invited to join the company, supporting youth theatre camps and
playwriting workshops. Katrina also fills administrative and committee roles for the Manitoba Choral Association, an
organization at the heart of choral and music advocacy in her province.
Katrina dedicates herself to Project Pulse Winnipeg, a branch of a student-led, nationwide initiative that hosts
conferences to engage students in the field of health sciences. As a daughter of BIPOC immigrants, her deep
connection with her diverse inner-city high school community helped her find solace and comradery through shared
adversity and reinforced her grit. It manifests as advocacy for inclusive and accessible educational opportunities for
students, actions fuelled by gratitude, and a determination to give back. Katrina’s experiences, vision, leadership, and
trailblazing qualities led to her appointment as President of the Executive Team in Grade 12, and currently as
Principal Advisor.
Katrina is Vice President Communications of Student Council at Canadian Mennonite University, where she studies
Biochemistry and Music and sings in choirs. Alongside commitments previously mentioned, she also leads the
Science Students’ Association in collaboration with peers who are avid about inviting the community into a
celebration of science. She dreams of a career to explore and innovate within the fields of neuroscience, pediatrics,
and medical humanities.
“Actively seeking opportunities for personal growth and exploring my goals empowers me to take care of others and
serve initiatives with the things I have learned…Embracing the power of kind, inclusive, and compassionate
interpersonal relationships allows me to hear those who are timid, speak up for buried concerns, and show
tenderness to those who suffer in silence.” – Katrina Lengsavath
Alex Munn
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Alex was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) at age 4. The disease is not just a physical one – it impacts every aspect of life. Living with T1D has helped Alex to have insight and a heightened awareness of the struggles of others. Despite managing a disease that never takes a break, and all the challenges that comes with it he has persevered and used his experiences to help others, raising awareness about T1D, serving as a peer mentor and volunteering within the community.Beginning as an ambassador for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) at the age of five, Alex has always found ways to use his chronic illness as a means of understanding and helping others. The strength and hope JDRF gave him as a child inspired him to also focus on a cure, and fundraising became a passion for him. His athletic ability also created opportunities for him to share his experiences as an athlete with T1D. He has provided one-on-one support to people impacted by T1D, spoken about his experiences to volunteers, medical students, health professionals and families working through their T1D journeys.Alex seeks to inspire others. “When we aim to support one another, build resilience, help others to gain confidence, and make connections with other people we see these individuals carry that forward to others. This is what improves human welfare. It creates a ripple effect and has a sustainable impact. I hope the long-term impact of what I do results in others paying it forward and creating change,” he said.Alex is graduating from Charles P Allen High School and plans to attend the University of New Brunswick, taking a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.“Being a part of something bigger than myself is something I use as my north star. Going forward, I think there is only ‘up’. I want to keep learning and progress as a humanitarian and continue to do meaningful things, create awareness, and connect with people. I will always be an advocate for T1D, but I will not stop there.” – Alex Munn
Nazifa Nawal
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Nazifa and her family moved to Vancouver from Bangladesh when she was eight years old. Her family faced poverty, language and cultural barriers, and the social pressure of living in one of the highest-risk housing projects in the region. They had difficulty communicating and adapting to their new environment with limited English language skills, but Nazifa has become a leader in her school and community with persistence and resilience.
As President of the Britannia Leo Club, Nazifa leads a group of students working to build asense of community by engaging their peers in volunteer opportunities while fundraising for humanitarian causes. Nazifa prioritizes creating a safe and inclusive space where members feel comfortable sharing their ideas about events, places to donate, and how the club should be run. They have raised money for a newly built community center in Kamloops supporting Residential School survivors and many more. Nazifa is also the Chair of the Britannia Youth Council, a School Ambassador of Girls Can Talk Society, and a youth collaborator on AgendaGap (a UBC mental health research project) where they made calls to action about racism’s impact on youth mental health. Additionally, she volunteers for the Britannia Secondary School and Community Centre and the BIPOC Club, which strives to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable space for BIPOC students in the community. A passionate social justice advocate, she and her peers, started the first student-run BIPOC club in schools across the Vancouver School Board. She further created a new recycling system for her high school through a community project called YCAN (YMCA Community Action Network).Nazifa plans to attend the University of British Columbia to study Psychology as she follows her career goals of becoming a criminal lawyer.“The injustices I have faced have inspired me to make changes on a large scale, which is where my ambitions of becoming a criminal lawyer stem from. My strong determination to become a criminal lawyer started at an early age because I have always been passionate about serving my community and this inspired me to represent marginalized communities in court. It is critical for me to advocate for equity for myself and people like me in the next generation.” – Nazifa Nawal
Zachary Newman
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Zachary’s journey towards humanitarianism began with his brother, who will always be his greatest inspiration. His family’s experiences with mental illness, suicide, and their journey toward health have given Zachary a specific drive to help others going through similar challenges.From a small town in Newfoundland, Zachary used his ingenuity and resources to create opportunities to give back. He has worked tirelessly for seniors in his community, where few volunteer resources are available. He began collecting bottles to fundraise at a young age, and when he was able began volunteering at the regional recycling plant, where he could see his contribution take shape.While his early fundraising efforts initially would go towards the Janeway Children’s Hospital in St. Johns, where he had a cousin in care, his life experiences and observations around his community led him to shift towards donating the money he collected to fight the never-ending war on poverty.Zachary is currently in grade 12 at Indian River High School, where he is maintaining an Honors average in academic and advanced courses. He is a member of the Student Leadership Group and has been a member of softball, outdoor and indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball and ball hockey. He is recognized widely in his community for his desire and ability to help others.Zachary is planning to attend the Memorial University of Newfoundland to study Psychology. His dream is to become a psychiatrist and remain in areas of Newfoundland and Labrador where services are desperately needed.“Through my struggles, I’ve been able to see how important Terry really was to not only Canada but the world. He had a goal he did not back down from, even death itself couldn’t stop him from achieving that goal. I strive every day to be more like Terry Fox.” – Zachary Newman
Ye-Jean Park
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Coming from an incredibly hardworking immigrant family, Ye-Jean grew up witnessing her parents struggle working long days in their family’s restaurant. Furthermore, from her university Health Sciences courses, she learned more about how social determinants of health, including financial and food insecurity, place disadvantaged families at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Inspired by her experiences and Terry Fox’s message, “I am determined to take myself to the limit for this cause”, Ye-Jean co-founded her university’s first youth-led food education club—the Home Food Community Kitchen. Particularly from the beginning of the pandemic, the Home Food team has been working diligently to spread awareness on cooking nutritious, affordable, and ethnically diverse meals for vulnerable families and students. To reach their mission, volunteers continue to create free meal kits and host cook-a-longs with the support of Health Sciences faculty advisors, the Government of Canada, charity gardens, and other student-focused advocacy clubs.Motivated to empower youth, Ye-Jean further helps lead CanShine Tutoring, a non-profit that brings free or subsidized tutoring lessons to underprivileged youth. She also volunteers as a mentor for high school and university students, performs with her cello to share the love of music with senior home residents, and enjoys serving as a public speaking coach. Moreover, Ye-Jean is helping to lead a research project testing novel immunotherapies for treating sarcomas in affected canine patients.Currently, Ye-Jean is a third-year student at the University of Calgary studying Health Sciences and Music and will be pursuing her medical degree in the upcoming semesters. Her goal is to become a clinician-scientist while contributing to the area of public health. She also seeks to continue pursuing her passion for music and art as a concert cellist, writer, and public speaker.“Overall, I am incredibly driven to serve as a torchbearer carrying Terry Fox’s gift of hope onwards towards a disease-free future for all.” – Ye-Jean Park
Ashki Shkur
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Ashki has lived many lives for a very young woman. At 11, she and her family fled Kurdistan and gender-based persecution with the hopes of receiving a better education and living a better life. The long, perilous journey crossing borders on foot took a lot out of her family, but facing deportation orders after arriving to Canada will forever haunt her. Once in Canada, it was her responsibility to appeal to the Canadian government as the primary English speaker in her family.Now living in a single-low-income household in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside, Ashki and her family work hard to overcome educational, financial and language barriers. Ashki takes on responsibility for helping her siblings, and working a part-time job as a barista. However, this does not deter Ashki; instead, it makes her stronger and inspires her to help others in need.Since arriving in Canada in 2017, Ashki has worked hard to develop a community around her and her culture and to educate people about diversity. She is the Student Council President at Britannia Secondary School, Co-founder of The Ripple Effect, an organization working to educate, spread awareness and empower youth; Captain for Ride to Refuge fundraising efforts; Co-founder and President of Girls Can Talk Society, to ensure that international migrant and gender-based issues are addressed in the community; a Member of Britannia Community Center Youth Council and the Youth Representative on the Britannia Board of Management.Even throughout the harshness of life, Ashki has always cherished learning with a deep passion. She has taken various academically advanced courses, such as IB Biology and Chemistry, an AI course from Stanford, and a writing course from Harvard. Her academic curiosity has led her to receive province-wide awards for science, such Biochemistry and Microbiology awards from the University of British Columbia and a publication in the Canadian Science Fair Journal.Ashki is now in her final year at Britannia Secondary School and plans to attend the University of British Columbia to study science with the goal of becoming a surgeon and family doctor.“The decisions around my education and leaving Kurdistan were risks informed by my hopes and ideas for the future; although challenging, all these difficult steps and obstacles have led me closer to my goals.”“As a refugee, I know the challenges of displacement, vulnerability and exploitation that threaten newcomers in Canada.” – Ashki Shkur
Caleb Small
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Caleb stands out as the top academic student, a member of several varsity teams and bands, and a leader within the music department at Bear Creek Secondary School.Despite being hospitalized for a lengthy period due to an eating disorder, Caleb overcame the stigma attached, especially as a male with anorexia, and continues to find ways to serve his community in the mental health space in his school as well as on Indigenous reserves such as Pikangikum: a northern community with the highest suicide rate in the world. Having grown up with his mother suffering from a brain tumour, his determination and drive to overcome obstacles, all while he was still flourishing in all of his surrounding areas, like school work, sports teams, and his volunteer work is an inspiration to others.Caleb has served as a Group Leader, Event Coordinator, and Volunteer Camp Counsellor at Waterdown Community Church, Jr High Programming Leader at WIRED, Translator for refugees with the
Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and Refugee and Indigenous Projects Volunteer for the New Churches Network with a specific passion for mental health support.Caleb aspires to study Biomedical Sciences to become an International Emergency Relief Neurosurgeon while pursuing his interest in missionary and entrepreneurial activities.“Terry Fox set an example that will never be forgotten, and I aspire to continue his mission of finding a cure for cancer, specifically focused on treatments for tumours and cancers of the brain. I am passionate about accessibility and equity within healthcare.” – Caleb Small
Quinn Smith-Windsor
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Quinn is remarkable in how she meets, persists and challenges adversity and the status quo. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (quadriplegia), and Scoliosis, she faces challenges head-on with courage and positivity. Quinn sees challenges as opportunities to gently educate others, remove barriers and build a more inclusive world.A passionate advocate for accessibility, Quinn serves as a Youth Accessibility Leader in her community. She has empowered women and girls across the globe through water security projects. During the pandemic, she organized and hosted Sew-in-Saturdays with volunteers across Saskatchewan to make and distribute thousands of masks in Prince Albert. She contributed art and awareness for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and continues to advocate for the creation of a Canada Disability Benefit.As an artist, she paints portraits of SPCA dogs in order to sponsor dog adoptions at the Prince Albert SPCA. A member of the Carlton Collection Builders, she works with other students who are passionate about art and social justice to create collections of art that convey the voices of youth on important issues.Quinn plans to further her work as a disability advocate by taking an undergraduate BA degree in Sociology and Disability Studies and working towards a career as an inclusion and accessibility consultant.“Disabilities reveal barriers in communities. I am motivated to help reduce barriers that people with disabilities face each day. Sometimes the world isn’t always built to include people with disabilities. I want to change that. I can be a strong advocate for equal treatment, for inclusion, for equal opportunities so that more people with disabilities can do ordinary things like complete school, get jobs, live in inclusive communities and be part of community life.” – Quinn Smith-Windsor
Maddison Tory
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2022
Maddison’s health care journey started when she was 13 years old when she underwent heart surgery. Since then, she has experienced multiple emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Her health has inspired her to make a difference for her community’s sick and injured children.
She advocates for youth to help them find their voices and works with advisory boards and advocacy platforms to push for a healthcare system that looks past diagnosis and symptoms and treats the whole person.
Maddison is the founder of HUGS, a program committed to improving kids mental health and quality of life during their hospital stays through experiences, funds and support. She is the author of the charity children’s empowerment book called “Your Secret Superpower: Ignite your SPARK”, inspiring youth to take action. In addition, she is a Special Olympics Coach, volunteer at the Ronald McDonald house, and board member on both the Alberta Children’s Hospital Child and Youth Advisory Council and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Youth Philanthropy Council. As an Alberta Health Services Youth Health Advocate, she contributes substantial efforts toward youth mental health awareness and campaigning initiatives. She has consulted on, and assisted in creating school suicide protocols, hospital staff education programs, youth vaccination information sheets, best practice protocols for the use of medical opioids in youth, policies on how to address vaccine worries in children and created hospital policies addressing fears and comfort measures during labs and medical procedures. As a board member of the Transition Research Advisory Council, she assists teens in understanding and preparing for transitioning into the adult healthcare system.Maddison plans to continue her work in health sciences by studying at the University of Calgary next year, focusing on a career as a medical researcher, physician/ cardiologist, and hospital administrator.“Like Terry Fox, my health journey not only taught me about my inner strength, resilience and perseverance, but it caused a paradigm shift in my thinking and actions. Self-centeredness and selfishness became replaced with compassion and empathy.” -Maddison Tory
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Laureates (2021)
Sara Boubekri
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
Sara Boubekri was inspired to start an organization to support underprivileged youth because of her own struggles growing up. “My experiences with socio-economic inequalities remarkably shaped my vision of life,” says Sara. With her initiative The Change Makers, Sara advocates for equal access to education, while motivating young people to make change. She has raised funds for the Relay for Life, been a UNICEF representative, and started SYNAPSES, a scientific journal dedicated to using technology to revolutionize the healthcare field. In August, she will enter medicine at Université de Montréal and will continue to lead projects to make this world a better place.
Sara Ebenezer
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
“You don’t have to have a perfect life to help others,” says Sara E., 2021 Terry Fox Humanitarian Award recipient. Sara worked with her local community center to start “For the Love of STEM,” an organization providing free tutoring and mentoring to students, all while spreading a love of learning. Through her volunteer work she was appointed to the student advisory council for the Ministry of Education, drafting policy recommendations to improve the education system. She is also a youth accessibility leader, focused on improving access for those with disabilities. Sara is also the founder of Girl Power, an initiative aimed at empowering young girls, particularly from marginalized communities. As a member of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Youth Council, Sara vocalizes youth-driven solutions to social issues and organizes projects to improve the community for youth. She was also one of the International recipients of the prestigious Diana Award, established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, in recognition of outstanding humanitarian work and social efforts to make the world a better place. Sara hopes to expand her reach by studying International development and Life Sciences in university.
Maleeka Ellaithy
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
“One of the first words I remember learning as a child is ithar,” says Maleeka, “an Arabic word that loosely translates to the selfless concern for the happiness and well-being of others.” Maleeka raised thousands for the Relay for Life, ran a coin drive for the Rohingya refugee crisis, and crafted hand-made jewelry for Syrian refugee fundraisers. She is the founder of a tutoring non-profit whose proceeds are donated to the Yemen humanitarian crisis, and is a teaching assistant for minority kids at her local language school. Maleeka also co-founded a support group for young Muslim girls, and Youth Be Heard which provides resources and guidance on how to make a difference. Maleeka hopes to become a pediatrician and researcher. “Whatever my future endeavours may be,” says Maleeka, “I know that ithar will be at their core.”
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Mary England
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
“It is my ambition to eliminate teenage homelessness,” says Mary England. Working with Covenant House, Mary’s efforts include fundraising, food drives, and the Covenant House Sleep Out – a program which has raised over $60,000 to fund initiatives for at-risk and homeless youth. A member of the YouthLAB committee, Mary advocates for troubled teens in her community and is a certified First Responder at her school. She also has a passion for STEM, tutoring students at her school and in the community, leading the Math Club, and experimenting with new technologies for the FIRST Robotics Team. She will be studying Engineering at McMaster University where she can build things that will have a positive impact on the lives of others.
Sarah Labadie
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
A traumatic childhood left Sarah Howe determined to protect other kids. Based on that Sarah strives to “look out for those who might be experiencing similar obstacles.” Passionate about providing a safe space for kids, Sarah mentors children as a YoungLife leader and coaches youth at her local hockey club. Sarah has raised funds for the Missions Services women’s shelter, Relay for Life, and the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario. Sarah has applied to the nursing program at Queen’s University and hopes to work in pediatrics.
Abby McCluskey
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
As someone who battled mental illness, including an eating disorder, for many years, Abby had grown accustomed to the silence about mental health in her community. After undergoing treatment, she decided it was time to start much-needed conversations about the struggles so many face. “My openness helped others feel less alone with their own struggles,” Abby says. This experience inspired her to raise awareness about mental health. Abby helped organize a wellness week at her school, was a social support volunteer at her local hospital, and was part of the Connect to Care group, educating others on the impacts of mental illness. Abby also volunteered in the Best Buddies Club, a group that provided community activities to students with disabilities at her school, and brought international and Canadian students together in the Cultural Connections club. Abby aspires to work in pediatric medicine, where she can give back to the medical community that saved her life.
Aiman Naeem
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
“At the heart of my actions lies this philosophy,” Aiman says, “what I did not have, I want to create for others.” Between working multiple jobs, she volunteers for a number of organizations aimed at helping vulnerable students get back on their feet. In her time as a University of Alberta Ambassador, she assisted campus visitors, students, and alumni, and also facilitated a food bank drive. To actively promote thought leadership and STEM opportunities, Aiman helped organize a TEDxUAlberta conference and was selected as a Canada-wide Science Fair Ambassador. She is currently studying Psychology and Art & Design as a first-generation student, and will be entering her final year of studies at the University of Alberta.
Ruby Pilatzke
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
When Ruby Pilatzke was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as a young child, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation helped her so much that she has since devoted herself to giving back. As a youth ambassador, Ruby has raised over $25,000 for diabetes research – through bottle drives, bake sales, direct canvassing, and most recently, through virtual events during the COVID-19 lockdown. She has also supported the Candlelighter’s Childhood Cancer Support Program and is Co-President of the Student Athletic Council at her school. In the fall she will be attending Nipissing University with hopes of graduating in education and becoming a high school math or science teacher. But no matter what her future holds, her fundraising efforts will continue: “Should a cure for diabetes be found,” Ruby says, “I want to be able to say I was part of the solution.”
Andrew Poirier
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
It was having a hidden illness that inspired Andrew Poirier to make change. While trying to cope with the pain of juvenile arthritis, Andrew saw others interpret his behavior as weak or lazy. It made him realize how much stigma surrounded other invisible illnesses such as mental health and inspired him to speak out. “It is okay to not be okay,” says Andrew. “Sharing our challenges with others and supporting one another makes us stronger as a community and as Canadians.” Andrew ran a mental health awareness week at school, is a member of the Haldimand County Accessibility Advisory Committee, and volunteers at the Good Shepherd men’s shelter. He has also raised over $10,000 for Wounded Warriors Canada to aid veterans by building birdhouses made of repurposed wood and license plates. Inspired by those who helped him at McMaster Children’s Hospital, Andrew will be pursuing a degree in nursing.
Nik Provenzano
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
“My long-term vision is to fundamentally reconstruct the concept of disability,” says Nik Provenzano. Born without a left hand, Nik is an ambassador for the amputee community, speaking for the War Amps of Canada, Lime Connect, and mentoring young amputee athletes for Nubability Athletics. He is also a founding member of the first-ever bionics design team at UBC, where they are currently designing a prosthetic hand from scratch. Growing up in a small town and being the first in his family to attend university, Nik is aware of how difficult it can be for amputees to gain access to prosthetic devices. He aspires to exploit advancements in 3-D printing technology to rapidly manufacture prosthetics for those in impoverished communities. In September he will be entering his 4th year of Biomedical Engineering at UBC.
Hailey Rose
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
“I overcame the pain I went through with humanitarian work,” says Hailey Rose. As a trauma survivor, Hailey knows how important having a safe space to talk is for the healing process, so she began reaching out to others who were suffering in silence. Hailey facilitates mental health workshops in her community, creates mental health care packages for youth, and hosts her own podcast to raise awareness on mental health. She has facilitates workshops across Canada for the Assembly of First Nations, the Students Commission of Canada and the WeMatter Campaign. “There is something very powerful and healing about connecting and helping others,” says Hailey. As an Indigenous Plains Cree woman, Hailey is also passionate about revitalizing native languages, and received a grant from TakingITGlobal to start a Cree language class in her high school. She hopes to continue her advocacy work by pursuing a degree in politics and law at the University of Saskatchewan.
Julia Seymour
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
As an advocate for mental health, Julia helped launch the Youth Forum, a mental health pilot program at her school, and leads the Youth Ambassador Committee with Halton Women’s Place, a local women’s shelter. She co-hosts the Youth Pod podcast which sparks conversations about healthy relationships, self-esteem, and mental health. She cares deeply about helping others, volunteering at the Good Shepherd Venture Centre, the Acclaim Health Seniors’ Day program, and with special-needs students as part of the Best Buddies program. Having dealt with family illness, Julia refuses to let her obstacles bring her down: “I am grateful for the adversity I have faced because it has shaped who I am and where I want to go.” Julia hopes to pursue medicine to broaden her impact even further.
Keeley Shipley
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
It wasn’t just the pollutants coming from a local mill that inspired Keeley Shipley to act, it was also seeing that a nearby First Nations reserve was directly impacted by the industrial waste. “Environmental racism was occurring right in front of my eyes,” Keeley says. Deeply passionate about equity and environmentalism, Keeley founded Pictou County Fridays for Future, where she advocates for environmental action, leads climate strikes, and educates others on the impacts of climate change. A member of the Youth Climate Council, Keeley also speaks about environmental issues to a local town council, ensuring town decisions have minimal impacts on the environment. Keeley also organized the Girls Club, a safe space for students to meet, raised funds and volunteered in Nepal for the Himalayan School Project, and volunteered for Karma Closet, where she helps provide free food and hygiene products to students. Keeley plans on pursuing a degree in education at the University of New Brunswick.
Melissa Vella
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2021
“Being diagnosed with cancer at 11 years old, I spent a great deal of time in the hospital,” says Melissa Vella, “and while receiving treatment I saw the need to help other children.” When she was still a patient at the Hospital for Sick Children, Melissa took care of the younger children and helped out whenever she could. Based on her outstanding work, she was made a hospital ambassador, and has now spent years advocating for sick children through fundraisers and speaking engagements. Most recently she ran a fundraiser with Team Canada’s Beach Volleyball team to raise funds for the SickKids Hospital Foundation. Melissa is also the Co-Chair of the Children’s Advisory Council at the hospital, meeting regularly with the CEO about the needs of young patients. She hopes to continue her involvement with SickKids Hospital as a doctor. She will be starting a degree in medicine at The University of Western Ontario in the fall.
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Laureates (2020)
Katie Du
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Katie Du is passionate about public health, volunteering for advocacy and health organizations in her community. In her third year of studying cell biology at the University of Alberta, Katie focuses on research that intersects with public health initiatives and bioethics. Katie has completed internships in several countries and has competed in fencing with the Canadian national team. In 2018 she won the individual title at the Commonwealth Junior Fencing Championships.
Sarah Gingles
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Sarah Gingles is an active environmentalist who has been a guest speaker at climate strike rallies and spoken at City Hall on environmental issues. Through her own struggles with mental health, Sarah is determined to give back to the community. She was co-president of the student council, co-captain of the field hockey team, volunteered at her high school’s breakfast program, and founded Highlanders for Humanity, a volunteer group that helps at soup kitchens and raises funds for the Child and Youth Psychiatric Unit. She hopes to continue her activism while pursuing her Bachelor of General Science degree at Queen’s University this fall.
Paige Ingram
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Paige is passionate about making a positive impact in her community. She founded the Be the Change Club at school, where she led over 100 students in organizing fundraisers and campaigns for education inequality, food insecurity, and the global water crisis. As a Here4Peers Leader, she has led mental health literacy workshops for over 240 youth, and as a Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Advisor she advocates for diversity and inclusion, reconciliation, and democracy. Paige received the Governor General Award and was the Top Scholar and Top Female Athlete of her graduating class.
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Shubhkarman Jaura
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Shubhkarman Jaura faced many obstacles as a new immigrant to Canada but was determined to give back to his new community. “Our aptitudes are only worthwhile if they bring happiness or are beneficial to the life of another,” Shubhkarman says. An active volunteer, he has raised funds for Winnipeg’s homeless, taught English to Syrian refugees, and runs the weekly book-cart at the community hospital where he spreads cheer to senior patients. He is also co-president of the student council, a SHAD Fellow, a YMCA Exchange Student, founder of the school’s first debate club, and a Youth Nuclear Peace Summit Member, where he promotes peace and a ban on nuclear weapons. He is starting a Bachelor of Engineering degree at the University of Alberta this fall.
Toni Koshowski
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Toni Koshowski grew up in a home with a parent battling cancer, which fueled a desire to help others get well. An active volunteer, she has worked with the Community Transition Program to motivate and encourage students with disabilities in learning independent living skills, and through 4-H has been able to better understand the needs of vulnerable people within her community. Toni is an accomplished pianist, and has been a member of the school choir, concert and jazz bands. She is also active in hockey, rugby, soccer, and the cross-country team, and was a member of the student council and diversity committees. Toni plans to pursue a career in medicine, and volunteer for Doctors without Borders to make a difference for others.
Jolina Li
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Jolina Li’s goal is to make a positive impact by building kind and inclusive communities. She is an executive of the Leaders of Hope Club at school, organizing musical performances and letter-sending services at senior care homes, as well as running social justice-focused seminars. She mentors a young child, leads a fundraising team for girls’ education and empowerment in Northern Ghana, and is the founder of the Earth Lovers Club, a weekly litter cleanup group. Jolina will be pursuing a degree in computer science and AI at the University of Toronto, where she hopes to make a difference in the world through technology.
Victoria Liu Quispamsis, NB
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Shiyue Li faced many language and cultural barriers after moving to Canada from China but made a promise to spread kindness by giving back to her community. She is the vice-president of the Key Club, which organizes coat drives and dinners at homeless shelters, volunteers at the Cancer Foundation Society and Hospital, helps newly-arrived Somalian refugees, and organized a trip to Gansu, the poorest province in China, to raise funds for families in need. As the founder of TreeHugger, Shiyue also promotes urgent actions against climate change with fundraisers and beach cleanups. She is the head of the student council committee, a top speaker in provincial debates, and through her advocacy and participation in the Jewish Holocaust research project, hopes to pursue a career in law to fight for human rights.
Isabella MacKay
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Isabella has overcome many physical obstacles as a person with cerebral palsy and is dedicated to helping others through her advocacy. She has spoken for the rights of disabled people on the WE Day stage, planned fundraisers for Tysen’s Mission to a Million and the Ten Oaks Project, and most recently secured funding to have a local theatre company install fully accessible doors in their facility. Her love of theater has led her onstage in multiple school drama productions, as well as taking part in the Critics and Awards Program supporting theater review writing. At the University of Ottawa Isabella is determined to become a physician and help create a more diverse medical field, with doctors her younger self would have been excited to see.
Vessa Darroch Macneil
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Vessa’s own struggles with finances inspired her to help others. BEC’s Little Helpers, the group Vessa started to support families in need, has raised much-needed funds as well as toys, presents, and gift cards exchanged for food. She is extremely active in her school and community, acting as a student ambassador, youth tutor, mentor, rugby coach, and summer camp counselor. She hopes to continue helping others while pursuing a degree in Community Development at Acadia University.
Emma Neary
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Emma Neary was inspired to act after seeing the suffering of fellow pediatric patients during her long stays at the hospital. Diagnosed with severe IBD and inflammatory arthritis, Emma wants to improve the lives of others living with chronic illnesses. She volunteers for a student-run food kitchen as well as a GI clinical and basic science research team, acting as a patient advocate and student researcher. An Advanced Medical First Responder with St. John Ambulance, Emma is also an executive member of the Memorial University of Newfoundland’s World Health Organization Society and leader of the Peace and Justice Coalition. As an aspiring gastroenterologist and clinician-scientist, Emma hopes to give back to the IBD community through innovation, research and advocacy for more patient-focused care.
Erin Novakowski
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Erin Novakowski was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy as a toddler and relies on a power wheelchair for mobility. After witnessing rampant inaccessibility and ableism in everyday life, she was determined to fight for a more inclusive society. Erin uses her passion for writing and her social media platforms to advocate for Muscular Dystrophy, CureSMA, and Love for Lewiston, and also writes and edits for Cripple Magazine, an online publication for disabled young adults. She is currently studying political science at the University of Calgary, where she continues to raise awareness for disability justice.
Fatima Saleem
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Fatima Saleem is passionate about serving vulnerable populations and advocates for those with disabilities and mental health issues. She volunteers for Autism Speaks, Kids Help Phone, Special Olympics, and she founded the Art of Recovery Club at her school. She is currently studying immunology at the University of Calgary, and is the lead research analyst for BRIGHT International, which focuses on mental health care access. Fatima also leads an Amnesty International chapter, and co-founded Zero Waste, an international organization redirecting excess food from restaurants and bakeries to over 100,000 food-insecure individuals across four cities.
Phoebe Seeley
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Phoebe’s passion for helping others inspired her to co-found two non-profits: one dedicated to providing clothing to youth in need, and the other, Giving Gertie, focused on facilitating acts of compassion for the homeless community. At age 15, Phoebe overcame adversity after being diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition requiring open heart surgery. Even then Phoebe put others first, sharing her story with her school to encourage students to donate to their local children’s hospital. Phoebe is extremely active in her school and community, playing soccer and ringette, working with the music department, and organizing school events and clubs as co-president of the student council. She plans to major in Environment, Sustainability, and Society at Dalhouise, where she can combine her love of science with her desire to give back.
Wing Tse
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Wing’s own history of trauma and struggles with mental health barriers inspired him to co-found Smileage, a non-profit dedicated to supporting youth with unmet needs. He also started the Firefit Team at Centennial College to get students active and worked with youth at Riverdale Collegiate to improve physical and mental well-being. Wing graduated top of his class and won the top volunteer award for his longtime support of St. John’s the Compassionate Mission, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, and Muscular Dystrophy. At the University of Guelph, Wing hopes to work towards a career in the Fire Department and Canadian Armed Forces, integrating mental health support into the work of first responders.
Mackenzie Walters
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Mackenzie, who goes by Taylor, has worked tirelessly to expand access to STEM opportunities. She mentors youth in her community, speaks widely about diversity in science and technology, and the AI Ethics Committee she started helps create transparency in how AI is used. Taylor is passionate about helping others and feels overcoming her own difficult life circumstances has given her the resilience to see every challenge as an opportunity. She hopes to continue her humanitarian work by designing new ethical technologies at Quest University, where she is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction.
Eric Weidmann
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Eric Weidmann was only ten years old when he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor that sent him into 15+ seizures a day, requiring him to undergo major surgery. His early life experiences, including seeing his sister diagnosed with a rare brain cancer, inspired him to give back to others. A speaker, mentor, ambassador, and avid volunteer for Make-A-Wish Foundation, Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta, and Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, Eric has also assisted in raising over a million dollars for the Kids with Cancer Society. He is the recipient of the Vimy Pilgrimage Award, a University of Alberta Chancellor’s Citation, and currently works at Families First Society as a Children’s Programmer focusing on family domestic violence and at-risk youth.
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Laureates (2019)
Zakiya Abdulaziz
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Zakiya has served as the President of Student Council, Kindlers Society, and Griffins That Give. Visiting relatives in her home country, she has seen the lack of opportunities and resources in rural areas for children’s education, which prompted her to found a club promoting literacy in developing countries. Zakiya is also an avid volunteer at the Muslim food bank, working with Syrian refugees, advocating for single mothers and the elderly, and fundraising for those who are less fortunate. She hopes to pursue a career in law, advocating for global human rights and justice.
Stephanie Budden
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Stephanie takes pride in volunteering with many school and community organizations including Humanitarian Club, Girl Guides, Special Olympics and the Women’s Center. In promoting the theme of preventing violence against women, Stephanie initiated and led a fund-raiser to support women and families in need. Stephanie grew up in Stephenville, NL and plans to start her Bachelor of Commerce (co-op) Degree at Memorial University in NL this September 2019.
Julia Caddy
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Having spent many years in and out of treatment for mental illnesses that nearly took her life, Julia now dedicates herself to educating others about mental health. In high school, she began speaking out to media and at events, and working with organizations like Partners for Mental Health, CMHA, Jack.org, Kids Help Phone, and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. She can also be found in Calgary, on billboards and TVs, promoting the Build Them Up campaign in support of the new Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Julia is now pursuing a degree in Psychology and Communications at McGill University in hopes of expanding her advocacy into a career.
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Mason Carter Amherst
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Mason has been a pioneering queer activist for Cumberland County for the last three years, helping to put a ban on conversion therapy for minors in Nova Scotia. Mason will be attending the University of King’s College in September to study journalism. They hope to one day work for National Geographic investigating human rights violations, and after retirement work part-time as a professor teaching both philosophy and journalism. Mason’s motivation to improve and sustain the earth stems from the violence they have faced from their community at a young age.
Noemie Chenail
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Noémie suffered from an eating disorder that caused her mental and physical distress. After three long stays in the hospital, Noémie finally reached a level of stability, her passion for outdoor sports greatly helping fixing and reaching goals. Her studies in Cegep at Collège André-Grasset allowed her to get involved in different volunteering activities such as the organization of snow camps for disadvantaged children, the construction of gardens specific for bees, and tutoring sessions with immigrant children. Currently studying medicine at Université de Montréal, Noémie hope to work with immigrant and disadvantaged populations as a family doctor.
Kylie Dennis
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
In 2017 Kylie traveled to Tanzania, Africa which was a dream come true for her. While in Africa Kylie taught students, delivered school supplies, and repainted schools. Upon Kylie’s return from Africa she suffered from a traumatic brain injury which changed her life. Kylie had to relearn how to walk, and simple tasks became challenging. Although the past few years have been difficult, Kylie is successfully graduating with her class on time and attending Brock University in the Concurrent Education program. Once Kylie graduates and becomes a teacher, her plan is to travel the world and teach in third-world countries.
Matthew Gibson
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Matthew first faced adversity when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 11. In late 2017, Matthew almost lost his life due to his illness. This did not stop him from achieving his goals. He will be attending McGill University in Commerce. By sharing his story, Matthew wanted to inspire others. He became an Ambassador for Opération Enfant Soleil in 2015 and the Québec’s Champion Child for the Children’s Miracle Network in 2017. He also raised the most money in his high school during the Terry Fox run. He wants people to remember this: what determines whether your adversity is a tragic or an heartening story is by the way you perceive and deal with it.
Bethany Kolisniak
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Bethany helped organize awareness campaigns for various human rights issues and served on the planning committee for Unity Group, her school’s LGBTQ+ safe space. In grade 10, she also spearheaded a class fundraiser for a refugee family. Outside of school, Bethany loves working and volunteering at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children, where she works directly alongside youth with a variety of disabilities. Bethany was inspired to get involved with RCC thanks to her brother, Jonah, who has autism and is a regular participant of their programs. Bethany will be pursuing a degree in biochemistry at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus. She hopes to someday become a doctor and practice medicine in remote underserved communities in Manitoba.
Julia MacPherson
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2020
Julia is a SHAD Fellow, Alumna of the Vimy Pilgrimage Award Program, French for the Future National Ambassador, and volunteers as a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation team leader, Sweet Caroline Foundation advocate, and Relay for Life organizer. She is the Graduating Class Representative on student council and has participated in many leadership groups, soccer, senior track and field, varsity field hockey, and two bands. She also volunteers at a local nursing home and as a Highland dance teacher for young students. Julia will be starting a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of New Brunswick.
Natalia Malagon
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Natalia volunteers as an assistant coach for an elementary after-school sports program, as a girls club counselor, and as an advocate for paediatric oncology/hospital fundraising initiatives for the Canadian Cancer Society. She will be pursuing a bachelor of science in the fall at Simon Fraser University in the program of Biomedical Physiology and continue onto medical school. She hopes to use the experiences and challenges she has faced in life, such as battling cancer, as her impetus to create a meaningful impact on the world around her.
Vardaan Malhotra
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Driven by the personal experiences he faced as a child regarding cultural acceptance, Vardaan helped build stronger intra-communal relations by merging diverse audience bases together. He started Ready Set Lentil Soup, a social enterprise that raised funds for a Uganda orphanage. Varddan also launched the environmental program Food Scoop, focused on reducing food wastage within Fredericton and increasing revenue for local businesses. He also volunteers at the public library and museum. Pursuing engineering as a passionate cross country runner at UNB, Vardaan aims to develop a foundation to explore our universe in search of strategies for the sustainable development of our planet.
Connor McKinnon
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Connor is a peer councilor for children with cancer and assists in research for other cancer patients at Sick Kids Hospital. At the age of 6 years old Connor was diagnosed with Stage 4, Rhabdomyosarcoma with metastasis. His parents were told that he had less than three months to live. Connor has learned determination, the act of positive thinking and how important support from others is. He now volunteers to help others get the support they need. Connor is excited to be starting a Bachelor of Nursing at Lakehead University as a stepping-stone to follow his dream of working as a paediatrician.
Victoria McMahon
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
In 2016 Victoria developed osteochondritis dissecans in both of her ankles causing her to get surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children. This injury taught her perseverance and the importance of education. She is currently a SCDSB Student Trustee representing student voice at the board level. Victoria also acted as president of Bear Creek’s DECA Chapter and volunteered with the Ontario Ministry of Education Minister’s Student Advisory Council. As a member of the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program Youth Advisory Council, she has demonstrated her knowledge of cancer prevention and health promotion. Pursuing kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, Victoria plans to become involved with medicine to ensure access to health care is given to Indigenous people who live in remote and northern communities.
McKenna Modler
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
McKenna Modler lives in a small town called Landsdowne on a dairy farm with her parents and two brothers. She is currently going into her second year of schooling at Durham College for Public Relations. Since 2010, McKenna has been living with a brain tumour and has been dealing with depression and anxiety. She had surgery for a VP shunt that runs from her head to stomach and had a biopsy on her tumour. Since then, McKenna has undergone 70 weekly treatments of chemotherapy to try to shrink or stop the tumour from growing. Even though McKenna may never truly be in remission, she plans to continue to grow and move forward to her future by graduating college and getting a job in event planning or a non-profit charity. It is her hope that she can continue to pay it forward and help others.
Reagan Morris
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Reagan identifies as bisexual and grew up in a small town where there was no out person she could look up to and many of her peers were no strangers to homophobic language. Reagan found herself experiencing an immense amount of internalised homophobia and shame. After the Pulse massacre her mind shifted into anger and she knew she needed to do something. She came out that fall and became the president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), and founded the Big Gay Pancake Breakfast. The goal of the breakfasts is to generate funds in a simple, wholesome way for the areas of the LGBTQ+ community that need it most. Reagan’s platform gives young people the ability to be active in their communities in a safe and effective way.
Coleton Myers
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Cole is a competitive triathlete, former competitive runner, swimmer, and alpine skier. In the summer of 2017 Cole was diagnosed with and treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and became involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada’s (LLSC) Light The Night walk in Halifax. The following summer, after being diagnosed with a relapse, he created an online auction called Bid to Beat Blood Cancer to continue fundraising for blood cancer research. His aim is to complete a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, followed by a masters, while continuing humanitarian work with the LLSC.
Hassan Nawab
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Graduating as class historian in 2016, Hassan contributed immensely to Lillian Osborne High School by serving on the school’s student council and co-captaining the school’s debate team. A long-term Nursing Ambassador at the Misericordia Community Hospital, Hassan also volunteers for Canadian Blood Services and Habitat for Humanity. Currently attending the University of Alberta, Hassan founded Active Minds at University of Alberta to raise awareness about student mental health. After completing his undergraduate studies, Hassan aims to attend medical school, continuing his compassionate drive to change the lives of people for the better.
Emily Oulousian
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Emily is the winner of CBC-Radio Canada’s Virtuose program and among Canada’s Hottest Thirty Musicians Under Thirty. Emily’s passion for music led her to perform as a volunteer musician and fund-raiser in senior residences, hospitals and a multitude of community events. Her humanitarian commitment is reflected in her mentoring activities encouraging youth to lead more balanced lives. To Emily, nothing is more rewarding than to motivate those around her.
Stephanie Quon
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
In high school Stephanie was part of the Compassion Club, TED-Ed Club, and Coffeehouse, where she organized events and provided leadership opportunities to students. When Stephanie was 15 years old, she founded the Sprout-Save-Share initiative, an organization that engages youth in projects focused on minimizing waste, such as collecting end-of-day produce to donate. Stephanie also volunteers at her local science center and children’s hospital, speaks her voice on multiple youth councils, and worked to create a sensory room for special needs students at her school. In the fall, Stephanie will study engineering at the University of British Columbia. She plans to continue giving back the community through running Sprout-Save-Share and being involved in research.
Tessa Smith
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Tessa has a prosthetic left leg and prosthetic right eye, both lost to her battles with cancer. She created a website called Chatability.org, an all-inclusive, online community for students with disabilities. She was the official Terry Fox Poster Girl, and an ambassador for SickKids. In 2016, Tessa had a short documentary made on her life called ‘Being Tessa,’ and her opinion pieces have been featured in the Toronto Star, the Toronto Sun, and the Peterborough Examiner. Tessa identifies as queer and is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition, specifically how this community comes into intersection with the disabled community. Tessa is very interested in Feminist Disability Studies and hopes for her career to move towards becoming a professor in this field of study.
Shailynn Taylor
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
Shailynn knew from a young age that despite living with type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy and fighting a degenerative disease from her wheelchair, she planned to do big things. Shailynn dove into discovering what moving away from home was like with a wheelchair while advocating for accessibility needs, access to rare disease treatments, and volunteering with the Love for Lewiston Foundation. At Mount Royal University Shailynn is presently in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program with a minor in Sociology and she hopes to enter the justice field or obtain her master’s once she has completed her degree.
Allyssa Woodrow
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 2019
From her dedication to mental health awareness, to spearheading a community-wide “Better Together” t-shirt campaign aimed at bringing people together, Allysa lives a life of love, commitment, and service to our community. After losing four friends to suicide in 2018, Allysa learned the importance of bringing a community together and being an advocate for those suffering with mental health. Allysa also works with veterans, Students Against Distracted Driving, and a mental health support group called “Hugs with Mugs.” Allysa’s dedication to mental health and wanting to create change are the inspirations behind studying Indigenous Social Work in the fall at the First Nations University of Canada.