Susan first became involved with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada in the early 1990’s when her son Brent was diagnosed with a malignant medulloblastoma. Once Brent was done with treatment, Susan began volunteering on a Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada committee that was dedicated to raising awareness about the disease. Soon after, Susan joined the Board of Directors and later served as president. Susan spent 23 years enjoying growing leadership roles within 3M Canada Company, including Human Resources, Administration, Marketing, Media and Public Relations. The offer to lead Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada as the Executive Director was exciting for Susan and she was thrilled for the opportunity to apply her skills and experience to her passion. In 2002, she made the shift from the corporate to the not-for-profit sector.

Unfortunately, in 2009, Brent was diagnosed with an aggressive anaplastic oliodendroglioma and sadly passed away on May 1, 2010. After taking some time off in 2013, Susan returned in 2015 as the CEO to lead the organization once again. Susan’s involvement with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada was sparked by her son’s diagnosis, and she has experienced the great loss of her son, but now she feels great joy knowing her work assists the estimated 55,000 Canadians currently living with the disease.

In 2018, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada became one of the first members of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) and Susan is a member of the newly formed Executive Committee. She is proud to be working together with the Council members to raise awareness of the critical role that medical isotopes play in healthcare for Canadians, especially in the treatment of brain tumours.