Denise Bebenek is the Founder, President and driving force behind Meagan Bebenek Foundation: Creating a Circle of Hope.
A Toronto resident and graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Honours in Psychology and the University of Toronto Faculty of Education, Denise, a former schoolteacher, is a tireless advocate for families who are touched by brain tumours, and for the empowerment of all children to help one another. Meagan Bebenek Foundation promotes ground-breaking research, providing much-needed funds to Toronto’s Brain Tumour Research Centre (BTRC), fostering a culture of discovery and care that is improving the care, quality of life, and survival rates for young brain tumour patients.
The spirit of Meagan Bebenek Foundation is a combination of Denise’s personal experiences and mission, as well as her professional background.
In late 2000, Denise’s youngest child, Meagan, was diagnosed with an inoperable and malignant brain tumour. She died six months later, in June 2001, two weeks past her fifth birthday. As Denise left the hospital, she envisioned a hug encompassing the building, which inspired her to organize a five-kilometre walk and "hug" event.
Asking friends and family to help, Denise started planning for the first Meagan’s Walk event which took place on Mother’s Day 2002. The annual event, now known as Meagan’s HUG, culminates with participants joining hands and forming a human hug, a "circle of hope" around the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, sending a clear and simple message to all within – you are not alone.
Denise turned the tragic loss of her youngest daughter into a journey of hope and inspiration. With a deep-rooted belief that when we come together as a community we can make a collective difference, Denise has successfully harnessed that power for over two decades with a team of over 60 volunteers who work year-round to further the organization’s mission.
Today, Meagan Bebenek Foundation has grown into a thriving organization with multiple events, corporate sponsors, a robust school program, ‘Kids Helping Kids’ and an annual Crane Ceremony in which students present hand-made origami cranes to MBF Heroes. The foundation has raised more than $6 million dollars in support of paediatric brain tumour research, which includes funding for seed grants, purchasing cutting-edge equipment, funding for the Toronto Brain Tumour Network tissue bank and a Neuro-oncology fellowship program. This Fellowship is available to eligible candidates around the world and offers them the opportunity to further their clinical and research training in sub-specialties of paediatric oncology.
Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter
Can People be Happy int Times like These?
The Time is Now: Fundraising to keep CKUA Radio Alive - Alberta - Canada's Podcast
Moderate Gains and New Consumer Dynamics Shape Canada's L7uxury Market
Refusing to Settle for Second Best with Donavan Bailey
How to smell out a good deal when buying a business - Vancouver - Canada's Podcast
Exploring the Transition: From Corporate to Entrepreneurial Drive - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
How We Gather Matters: The New Formula for Purpose-Driven Events to Create More Impact and Less Waste - Vancouver - Canada's Podcast
Using Art to Change the World with Craig Perlmutter of Arcadia Earth - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
Spring Cleaning your Finances
On a mission to reshape the pretzel experience - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
True innovation springs from unwavering dedication - Vancouver - Canada's Podcast
Luxury Home Buying Shifting into High Gear - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
Persevering through tough times - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
Emerging Tech Trends 2024 - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
The Savvy Socialite empowering small businesses to flourish on social media - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
Craft a Clear North Star: Align Your Business Around Mission and Vision for Entrepreneurial Success! - Toronto - Canada's
The Joke is on Canadian Taxpayers on April 1st - Alberta - Canada's Podcast
Employees under 40 in Canada the most isolated and lonely:Telus Health - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
Les bénéfices de la méditation, entreprendre différemment! - Québec - Canada's Podcast
Unlikely Allies Forge Powerful Success with Unique Skills and Harmony! - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Organic Marketing Simplified: Master podcast marketing, fuel podcast growth, and make money podcasting!
THE GO BIZ GUY
The Sigma Femme Podcast
The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
Habits and Hustle