CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Ambassadors are a team of advocates who help spread awareness of the Foundation, its mission and fundraising campaigns on social media platforms and within the community.
This team of ambassadors has each been personally touched by cancer; including those who are living through survivorship, a diagnosis or the passing of a loved one. They have a profound impact on changing the cancer landscape in Manitoba.
If you are interested in our ambassador program, use one of the buttons below to request more information or submit an ambassador interest form.
*Ambassador social media accounts may be set to private outside of campaign dates.
Alisa Hobbs
Alisa learned what cancer was at a young age when her grandfather passed away when she was nine years old.
In the last 10 years, Alisa’s family alone has had uncles, sisters, dads, grandpas, and cousins all receive a diagnosis.
“In 2014, when I was pregnant with my first child, I received the phone call that no one wants to get. One of my closest relatives and favourite people in the world was diagnosed. This person has chosen to keep their cancer journey private, but they are the reason I started my fundraising initiative, ‘Healing Minds, Healing Bodies – Yoga for the Cure.'”
What motivated you to join?
I was honoured to have been asked to join the Cancer Care Manitoba Ambassador team this year and I am excited to join an amazing group of individuals fighting for a common goal.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
For me, the human experience is about leaving the world a better place. I am committed to continuing to be an advocate for positive change by bringing our community together and raising awareness for CancerCare Manitoba.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
My family is very musical, I play piano, percussion and drums. I lived in Banff for nine years and love mountain life and exploring nature. I make elaborate cakes for my rescue dogs on their birthdays each year. My most memorable adrenaline rush has been sky diving in Australia. I love dancing.
Amber Treichel
Many people in Amber’s life have been affected by cancer – either directly or through family members and friends.
“To watch what a cancer diagnosis does to those you love, it makes you feel useless, insignificant and hopeless. This is a way to help prevent those moments, have less people affected by it.”
What motivated you to join?
It impacts so many lives in such a negative way; to raise awareness and funds, I hope that even my small contribution makes a difference. I’d like to do all I can to improve and lengthen the lives of others. My hope is by sharing and contributing as an ambassador, improved methods of diagnosis and treatment are discovered.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
It’s my spirit. It’s family. It’s hope. Being a channel used to share the stories, information and prevention initiatives is an absolute honour. It means connecting with people and their stories.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
Brussel sprouts are one of my favourite foods. Run DMC was my first (and favourite) concert. I’m dessert obsessed. I’m superstitious. I can touch my tongue to my nose.
Catherine Hosein
Catherine was diagnosed at 29-years-old with early-stage breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy not long after and went through the emotional rollercoaster of learning to accept her body and love it again.
“It was a hard, emotional journey that has pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined.”
What motivated you to join?
As someone diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at 29, I wanted to be part of something bigger that can make a difference for others and be part of a community that gave me a lot while I was in “recovery.” Being an ambassador has been part of my healing journey around my cancer.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
It’s a place where I can be among others who have been intimately or directly affected by cancer in some way. To be surrounded by others who want to create change and a difference. It’s a loving energy that surrounds a beautiful cause.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I enjoy watching football, being a mom and spending time with my three kids, reading spiritual and self-reflection books and doing Oracle readings, enjoying the summer weather, taking walks in nature and journalling by the water.
CHANTALE THURSTON
Chantale lost both her dad and father-in-law to cancer and then had her own diagnosis at age 34 of Stage IV appendix cancer. She underwent chemotherapy and HIPEC surgery to hear the good news of no evidence of disease.
“Losing my fertility from treatments and having a young son made this time extremely difficult. I hope by giving back we can help ease the future for those that are touched by cancer.”
What motivated you to join?
We have fantastic doctors, nurses and researchers here in Manitoba. I believe in helping and giving back after my cancer treatments ended to further the research being done and keep providing top notch care and programing for all Manitobans.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
It’s an honour to be an ambassador and help promote the work that CancerCare Manitoba, the Foundation and the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba does right here in Manitoba.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I have a Havanese dog named Charlie, I love ice cream, I camp with my husband and son most weekends in summer, and I love non-fiction audiobooks.
Is there anything we haven’t covered, that you want others to know about you?
I’m passionate about improving the experience of adolescent and young adult patients that experience cancer and love learning about research science!
COURTNEY LARNER
In December of 2019 Courtney’s mom was diagnosed with glioblastoma and shortly afterwards in February of 2020, her dad was diagnosed with leukemia.
“We lost my mom in May of 2021. I have also had other family members with various forms of cancer.”
What motivated you to join?
I wanted to share how cancer affected my life in hopes that someone would feel a little less alone. Also, being surrounded by people who could relate to how I was feeling in a really lonely season of my life.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Being able to share mine and others stories to help bring a little hope to those going through their own cancer journey and helping someone feel like someone understands, just like how the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation ambassadors did for me!
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
Favourite colour is green. Favourite food is pasta. Found a new passion for indoor spin classes. Favourite drink is coffee. Favourite city is Vancouver.
Cynthia Mitchell
In 2021, Cynthia was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma – a rare and aggressive cancer of the bile ducts. After nearly three years of active treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation, her disease is stable.
“Although I am living with stage IV cancer, advancements made possible through research are not only giving me more time with my two young children, my husband, and everyone else I love, but they also give me great hope for the future.”
What motivated you to join?
Having both witnessed and experienced first-hand the impact of research and its advancements to prevention and care, I am motivated to do my part to support the Foundation in their efforts to help fund leading-edge research right here in Manitoba!
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Being an ambassador is not only an honour, it’s also an opportunity to transform my own pain into purpose- strengthening our community, raising awareness of and engagement in fundraising initiatives, and helping to create hope for Manitobans and their families.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
1. I collect photos of found hearts and make them into albums for my family and friends.
2. I don’t like grilled cheese sandwiches (which I don’t find strange, but everyone else seems to!).
3. I enjoy going for walks. I try to get one in every morning with friends or my pups.
4. I love to travel. Whether it’s a summer adventure or a break from the cold, I’m in!
5. Although my children don’t think I can sing or dance very well, that has never stopped me! Ha!
Janelle Lamontagne
Janelle was diagnosed with a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma brain tumour in 2017. She underwent an awake craniotomy, 30 rounds of radiation, and 12 months of chemotherapy.
“I am happy to say that I currently have no evidence of disease!”
What motivated you to join?
When I was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 at the age of 29, I was given the prognosis of three to five years to live. In a world of uncertainty, I knew one thing to be true – research was integral to my survival. The support that the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation gives to cutting-edge cancer research made the choice to join simple.
What does being an ambassador mean to you
Being a CancerCare Manitoba Foundation ambassador is an incredibly rewarding experience. It is a way to contribute and create positive change in the face of a very scary diagnosis.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico for two years, I have aphantasia (I can’t picture things or people in my head), I’ve fostered seven puppies and have only kept two, I love reading psychological thrillers, and I had the honour of hearing Maya Angelou speak in person.
Kari Schultz Van Damme
Kari’s mom was diagnosed with cancer 11 years ago. Since then, too many of Kari’s family members and friends have received a cancer diagnosis.
“Because of the research, clinical trials and advances that was being done at the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba at the time of my mom’s diagnosis, she was able to receive a drug that ultimately saved her life.”
What motivated you to join?
I’ve been an advocate for cancer awareness and research since my mom was diagnosed with cancer 11 years ago. My dad and I have been a team in the Challenge For Life ever since. I like to help out in any way I can. Because I can 😉
What does being an ambassador mean to you
It means that I can continue to support and be a part of a great cause in a new and different way from what I have been doing the past 10+ years.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I am currently a third-year nursing student at the University of Manitoba. I am a mama to a seven-year-old daughter. My husband, along with our daughter, eloped last year on a beach in St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands); We have a fifth wheel that we haul to as many camp sites as we can throughout the camping season, trying a new place every time; I like my coffee black (people are always scared when they find this out for some reason); I’ve taken a liking to reading this past year and have read almost 80 books since (not including text books!).
Luise Rechia
To this day, losing her grandma to cancer was the most difficult time of Luise’s life.
“It was not easy seeing her go through the pain, depression and losing her hair. It’s something I don’t wish on anybody else.”
What motivated you to join?
I lost my grandma in 2010. She was battling cancer for a year and a half. She was my everything and since then I’ve been trying to bring awareness about breast cancer.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
That somehow, I can make a difference in the world.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I’m Brazilian. I used to be a Zumba Instructor back home. Favourite food: french fries. Favorite drink: tonic water with lime! Running is my favorite activity during summer!
Marcus Gallant
Cancer hit Marcus’ family very hard. His mom was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumor and lost her battle eight months from discovering the tumour.
Around the same time, his sister was diagnosed with renal cancer, a large tumour on her kidney. A surgery removed the tumour, and she has recovered well.
“I think everyone has a connection to cancer. With immediate family members having cancer, I try to live a healthy lifestyle in hopes of minimizing my chances of dealing with it personally.”
What motivated you to join?
Initially I tried proposing a parking program for cancer patients, as my mother and sister with both dealing with their recent diagnoses. I learned through that process about the Foundation and jumped at the opportunity to support.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
I find joy in the act of giving. We’re all a part of a bigger team, and we need to support one another. Finding the wins and glimmers of hope amongst the challenges and pain that cancer causes.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I like bird watching. Welcomed a baby boy this June. I aspire to restore mid-century furniture as a new hobby this summer. 
Is there anything we haven’t covered, that you want others to know about you?
I hope to one day see a game changing cancer breakthrough.
Nahdoondoo Oakley
You could say Nahdoondoo always had an indirect connection to cancer as she would always participate or support cancer fundraising events.
However, in 2018, within less than a year of starting a new life in Canada, Nahdoondoo would face her own diagnosis, now experiencing life as a cancer survivor.
“Cancer might have overwritten a chapter of my story, but I get to write the rest of it on my terms.”
What motivated you to join?
As a cancer survivor myself who has benefitted from the amazing work that is being lead by the Foundation, I was inspired to contribute in whatever way I can to pay it forward.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
In addition to finding purpose and meaning in my journey with the disease, I get to work with CancerCare Manitoba to bring awareness and raise funds for prevention, screening and treatment of various types of cancer.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
A mother of one, I enjoy dancing, cooking and sharing time with my family and friends. Despite growing up on an island, I never learned to swim but it is still on my to-do list as I really want to go scuba diving (an adventure on my to-do list). I’m a tax professional by day, but I live for the silly memories that I still get to create and hopefully will tell my grandkids one day.
Natalie Bell
Natalie lost her mom to an aggressive breast cancer.
“Cancer does NOT run in our family. She was the first and hopefully the last.”
What motivated you to join?
After losing my mom ten years ago, I want to advocate for black women’s health as it relates to cancer.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Being an ambassador means being able to use my platform and my voice for a cause that is close to me in conjunction with a Foundation doing the work and research to prevent a horrible disease.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I have a bit of a local celeb vibe. I sing, I’m a passionate hockey mom. I’m a grandma to two gorgeous boys. I love a decaf caramel macchiato with oat milk.
Petra Lockhorst
Cancer is something that has taken so much from too many and has unfortunately been a part of Petra’s life for the entirety of it.
“It’s the ripple effect of it that is passed on for generations and the things that it robs others from that is so tough to deal with, something that should never happen to anyone and I hope someday won’t.”
What motivated you to join?
My grandmother suffered from cancer, my best friend’s dad passed from cancer and my children’s grandmother recently struggled with cancer as well. It is something that has and continues to affect so many individuals and I wanted to be a part of this to help educate others, help fundraise for essential items and be a part of a team of amazing individuals that all care so deeply.
Being vocal about ways that we can self-monitor, notice any early signs of cancer, share our real life stories with others and also continue to raise awareness around cancer, finding a cure and helping fundraise for others that may need the help is so special to me.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
I was younger when my grandmother was diagnosed with skin cancer. A couple of years later, in high school, I lost one of my closest friends to cancer. My best friend then lost her father to cancer and my children’s great grandfather then passed of cancer years later. My children’s grandmother struggled with it recently and I’m really hoping that everything stays clear with her. My friend Shannon who is such an amazing woman has also struggled with cancer.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I am a huge football fan 
. Favourite food is chicken shawarma platters (From Ramallah in Winnipeg). I lived in Chisasibi, James Bay (Quebec) briefly in middle school where my Mom got a job as a teacher. Travelling is something I love to do, and I am planning to do a solo trip soon! I did competitive figure skating when I was younger and miss it!
Is there anything we haven’t covered, that you want others to know about you?
It means using my voice to raise awareness, helping others that need it, building a support system for those that are currently struggling with cancer or have in the past. I love being a part of this!
Sara Calnek
Sara was in her early 40s when she was diagnosed triple-negative breast cancer. Sixteen rounds of four chemotherapies and bilateral mastectomy later, she was found to have no evidence of disease.
“I thrived through a long and painful recovery and live an amazing life – even with the long-term effects of chemotherapy. My motto is ‘Try the Lobster’ – if it is in your means, do it. Because tomorrow is not a guarantee.”
What motivated you to join?
Knowing that CancerCare Manitoba Foundation is fighting to support CancerCare staff, patients and their families and raise much-needed funds for cancer research, means that I was not alone in my cancer diagnosis and treatment. It’s important for me to be involved with such an important organization that is essential to saving lives.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
I get to be a part of something much bigger than just me. I can be a part of sharing my stories, supporting others and helping to raise much-needed funding to provide essential support to CancerCare. By sharing my lived experience and raising awareness to cancer, I can educate others and show that cancer does not define me – it is simply part of what makes me – ME! I get to show the human side of cancer.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I am very creative – I paint, write, sing, play the ukulele, among other things. If it is creative – I will try it!
Is there anything we haven’t covered, that you want others to know about you?
I am passionate about cancer advocacy, accessibility, patient-centered care, using my lived experience in my work and life, and about educating others on the unique experiences of cancer patient
Shane Dyck
Shane would have never understood the impact that cancer had on not only the individual, but their families and friends, if his mom never fought her battle for 10 months.
“Because of that, I was motivated to join as a CancerCare Manitoba Foundation ambassador to help work toward a cure, so others don’t feel the pain that our family endured.”
What motivated you to join?
As someone whose mom passed away from cancer in 2018, I was motivated to do my part, so others don’t have to go through what my mom and family went through.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
I feel like all of the ambassadors have an amazing story, which makes all of us so empathetic toward many different situations. It means a lot to be mentioned with my fellow ambassadors because we all are working toward a common goal and share experiences that allow us to help others.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I love golf. My favourite colour is forest green. I’m extremely passionate about fitness. I’m currently working toward qualifying for the Paralympics in multiple adaptive sports. I’m starting a career in keynote speaking this year where I explain my story and with insight on how to trust the process and find your purpose
Shannon Coates
Shannon was diagnosed with Her2+ triple negative breast cancer in August 2022 and began chemotherapy in October.
Her breast cancer mutated to Her2+ triple positive. Sixteen rounds of radiation through April and May 2023, and finally rang the bell after sixteen rounds of chemotherapy on November 9, 2023.
“I had my revision surgery March 14, 2024. I continue to fight daily by taking medication called tamoxifen for my breast cancer.”
What motivated you to join?
Going through breast cancer and advocating for women’s health.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Bringing awareness to our community about what new technology and developments are happening at the Foundation.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I moved to Australia when I was 19-years-old, worked for the Montreal Canadians for four years in Montreal and have been a vegetarian for the past 20 years. In June of this year, I ran my tenth Manitoba Marathon. I am extremely blind with a -9.50 for vision.
Is there anything we haven’t covered, that you want others to know about you?
I’m a mom of two boys. Lincoln (13-years-old) and Jagger (6-years-old). I own my own clothing boutique Harlow Cruz Collective and do a breast cancer collection each October. October 2024 will be my fourth year.
Susan Sullivan
Susan has lost too many family members to cancer including her father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and most recently her aunt. Her cousin just finished treatment and is doing well, and another friend is currently in treatment.
“In the fall of 2017, two months after losing my dad to cancer, I started a fundraiser called Fight Cancer to benefit CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.”
What motivated you to join?
In 2017, my dad was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and was referred to CancerCare Manitoba. At the time, I didn’t know much about CancerCare and started on a journey to learn more and do more to support Manitoban’s living with cancer.
Since 2017, I have been a passionate supporter of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation and was pleased to have been given this opportunity to continue to support the Foundation’s work.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
It means being able to have an even greater reach to support people living with cancer.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
1. I love music. I love going to concerts and collecting vinyl records.
2. I have been teaching fitness classes since 2008 including a cardio-kickboxing class.
3. After my dad passed away, I took home two of his guitars and started learning how to play. I never knew how to play prior to that and it brings me so much joy now.
4. I love singing at home and in my car but not in public. I will belt out tunes continuously at home with my family (I appreciate their putting up with that!!)
5. I love home renos. My husband and I built onto our current home and did most of the work ourselves. Then we bought another property and renovated that one too. I am the “finisher”…the taper, mudder, tiler, painter. I actually find it calming.
Ted Fransen
Ted was diagnosed with papillary squamous cell carcinoma in September of 2017. He had a large malignant tumour on the underside of his tongue and underwent surgery to remove the tumour.
He is grateful to the surgeons and care team at CancerCare Manitoba who removed the tumour and margins, leaving his speech largely intact.
“My biggest fear heading into surgery was the loss of clear speech, given my vocation. I remain filled with gratitude for gifts of health and wellness.”
What motivated you to join?
Gratitude for the care and concern shown by all staff at CancerCare Manitoba, especially my surgeon. Much of my follow-up care and monitoring occurred during the pandemic. Throughout that period, the CancerCare Manitoba team kept their focus on what was best for their patients.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
It is an opportunity to give back in a small way out of gratitude for my health and wellness.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
1. I love to cycle – mountain bike and road. My wife joins me on the latter. We have done several European Bike and Boat adventures.
2. I grew up on a chicken and fruit farm in rural Niagara in southern Ontario.
3. I lost 80 lbs in 2014 as a means to lower my blood sugar and prevent (or at least delay) the onset of Type 2 diabetes, upon the urging of my family doc. The weight loss was so dramatic that I was often not recognized by people who had not seen the transition. My son began to call me “Ed’ as I was only 2/3 of “Ted.”
4. My wife and I got a German Shepherd puppy during COVID after being without a dog for many years. We became super attached to Sasha, as one does. She passed suddenly this year. Six months later, we began the journey of raising another German Shepherd puppy all over again. Remi has already wormed her way into our hearts. She keeps us active and healthy with countless walks and outdoor time.
5. We love camping and have recently discovered the joy of fall camping – retirement has opened up a whole new world for us.
Thanh Nguyen
Thanh was diagnosed with follicular thyroid cancer as a young adult. She received radioactive iodine to treat her cancer, and finally has no evidence of disease!
“Now, I volunteer with a few different cancer organizations to give back the support I was given during my cancer journey.”
What motivated you to join?
My two main reasons are representation and advocacy. As a queer, non-binary, young adult, person of colour – I found that the cancer scene lacked those who look like me. I want to provide that representation and use my personal experience to better the cancer scene, and advocate for queer and BIPOC AYA cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
It means advocating and bringing awareness to those affected by cancer, and bettering the cancer scene through information, awareness and support.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
My favourite animal is the whale shark, I collect film cameras, I have a minor in Classics, I love vanilla soft serve ice cream in a waffle cone and my favourite kind of cookie is oatmeal raisin.
Troy Woods
When Troy was 17, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Since 2009, he has visited CancerCare Manitoba and the Children’s Hospital over 170 times for chemotherapy and radiation treatments, hospital admissions, spinal taps and bone marrow aspirates, numerous transfusions, and ongoing bloodwork and monitoring.
“Within its walls and without exception, I’ve always been met with compassion, empathy, and the most excellent care imaginable. As a result of this world class medical care, I was so fortunate to stay in a state of remission following the diagnosis and was able to regain my health and move forward with my adult life.”
What motivated you to join?
I am a cancer survivor and raising awareness/funds for cancer research is a small way that I can give back.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Being an ambassador for an amazing organization like CancerCare Manitoba Foundation is an honour to which it’s hard to put words. I am the direct beneficiary of the life-saving work done at CancerCare and the treatment that I received was born out of clinical trials performed on countless patients that came before me. It is to those patients, as well as researchers, medical professionals and donors that I have a debt of gratitude that I will never be able to repay.
Share five fun facts about yourself, totally unrelated to your story and relationship with the Foundation.
I’m a Chartered Professional Accountant and was able to continue with my education throughout the years I received cancer treatment without taking time off. I love to travel. I have been to over 30 countries. I have gained a passion for fitness and wellness that started with rehab during and post-treatment. I enjoy lifting weights, yoga, fitness classes and hiking. Sports are a major hobby of mine. Countless hours are spent at the hockey rink in winter or on the golf course in summer. I’m a TV, movie, book junkie with a specific love for anything fantasy or sci-fi.
Should you have questions about, or want to recommend someone or become an Ambassador, please do not hesitate to connect with us.
Megan Falk, Digital Marketing Officer
mfalk@cancercare.mb.ca
Sharon Loewen, Development Manager
sloewen16@cancercare.mb.ca
