Seventeen-year-old Bailey Miller from Winnipeg, who is living with a brain tumour, has found strength and support by helping others. She recently participated in a fundraising event with the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and helped raise more than $19,000.

Bailey was first diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of six, and doctors later discovered she also had a brain tumour. Last year, shortly after Christmas, she became very sick, and a CT scan revealed a major bleed caused by the tumour. Doctors rushed her into emergency surgery and warned she would likely have brain damage. Against all odds, Bailey recovered fully. Now 17, she has made her school’s honour roll, completed a full season as a competitive dancer, and raised more than $19,000 for a cause that means a great deal to her.

She joined the Brain Tumour Walk in Winnipeg after seeing posts about it online and wanting to make a difference. The event, held in Kildonan Park, is part of a national effort to raise awareness and funds for brain tumour research and support. While Bailey’s tumour is still growing and her future is uncertain, she says having a supportive community makes it less scary.

Raising nearly $19,000 puts Bailey in second place across Canada for individual donations, and she hopes to move into first. Despite her diagnosis, Bailey is focused on her future, with plans for university, competitive dance, and finishing Grade 12.

Source: Arturo Chang, CBC