Brain Tumour Survivor An Inspiration by Beating the Odds

Peter Turner works as an orderly at a hospital in Montréal and takes pride and joy in helping others to make their life easier and happier. Peter transports patients to different departments throughout the hospital, and often reflects back on his own time spent in the hospital 25 years before. With the support and love from his family and friends, Peter Turner beat the odds of a brain tumour when he was only given three years to live.

Peter, who is now 51 years old, was only 25 when he began to feel dizzy and at times off balance. He struggled with symptoms for over a year until a CT scan showed he had a brain tumour. The results indicated Peter was living with a large brain tumour located in the middle of his brain on his pineal gland and was therefore inoperable. As a result, Peter was faced with the prognosis that the usual survival rate for this type of tour was only three years.

Peter consulted his physician to weigh his options, and was advised of radiation therapy. “I was scared,” Peter describes, “and I panicked, not knowing what I should do.” Peter felt he needed more time before making a decision, and the doctor told him to take as much time as needed. Unfortunately, he came close to losing his life. Peter required emergency surgery to relieve pressure from his head. “I knew it was going to be life changing,” he says. “It was very scary, but I had a lot of support from my friends.”

Peter waited for a few months before telling his parents that he had a brain tumour, all the while undergoing treatment. “I knew how much it would hurt my mother, and I didn’t want to put her through any pain,” he explains. Once his parents were aware, they were nothing but strong and supportive. “My mother never showed her emotions, and relived her pain in private, but always remained strong.”

After receiving 29 treatments of radiation, a CT scan indicated “rapid success” with no signs of the tumour as a result of the treatment. To ensure there were no signs of regrowth, Peter followed up with his doctor for scans every two weeks, and shortly thereafter it was reduced to twice a year and now he only is required to visit once a year. Throughout his journey with a brain tumour, Peter was able to go back to work and to continue doing what he loved.

Years later in 2008, Peter was listening to his local radio station when he heard an ad for Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s annual Spring Sprint campaign. He was intrigued by the announcement and attended his first event in June 2008 at Angrignon Park in Montréal. Peter looks forward to attending his second event this spring and hopes that by sharing his story it will inspire others to get involved and bring awareness of the disease to others.

On Sunday, June 14th, 2009, Peter Turner and his family, along with hundreds of other people in Montréal, will join the thousands across Canada who will don their sneakers to participate in Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s annual Spring Sprint. Last year, in 19 cities, Spring Sprints raised an unprecedented $1.35 million dollars for brain tumour research and to support the estimated 55,000 Canadians currently living with a brain tumour. Each year, an additional 10,000 are newly diagnosed. The Montréal Spring Sprint features a 2.5km walk or a 5km run through Angrignon Park. Participants raise pledges that are used to bring hope to people affected by a brain tumour and to fund research. Each step is one closer to imagining a cure.

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada would like to thank their 2009 National Event Sponsors: Deloitte, Imris and WestJet. Spring Sprint would not be able to bring hope to so many patients and families across the country without their considerable and generous contributions and support.

Peter never thought of himself as a very religious person, but because of his journey he became more spiritual, and finds comfort in prayer. Peter openly expresses his spirituality and believes that, “no matter the medicine, treatment or doctors, life comes from God.” Peter continues to put care and passion in his work by helping others in any way he can and is sincere when he says, “I am truly thankful to be alive.”

Event:Montréal Spring Sprint

Date:Sunday, June 14

Location: Angrignon Park, Montréal

Time:9 am Check-In



About Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

There are an estimated 55,000 people in this country living with a brain tumour and 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, many of those are children. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada provides information through a free, comprehensive Patient Resource Handbook, live and web-based annual education events, and support through a Canada-wide, toll-free 1-800 line, website www.braintumour.ca), and national support groups that meet monthly in 22 cities. Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada also supports brain tumour research through annual grants-in-aid program and to date has donated $2.3 million directly to brain tumour research. Please visit Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s website at www.braintumour.ca.