Waves of Hope paddles toward $150K goal for Brandon University breast cancer research

Westman and Parkland’s breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, Waves of Hope, is turning shared experience into action—bringing southwestern Manitoba together for learning, connection and a major new investment in local research.

On Saturday, April 11, more than 120 people gathered at Brandon University for A Day of Hope & Education, the first-ever, one-day conference in the Westman region dedicated to exploring breast cancer research, wellness, and survivorship through a patient-focused lens.

Designed with a patient-first approach, the conference offered sessions on supportive care, wellness and navigating the complexities of treatment, alongside topics such as dense breast awareness and lymphedema.

The event also marked the official launch of Hope in Our Backyard, a multi-year fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $150,000 by 2029 in support of the breast cancer research happening at the university’s Breast Cancer Cell & Molecular Research Lab. Waves of Hope contributed the first $25,000 to kickstart the campaign, and though the exact total is still being counted, several additional thousand dollars were raised throughout the day.

Keynote speaker Dr. Mousumi Majumder, a leading researcher in the field, shared insights from her work as founder of the lab. Established in 2023, the Breast Cancer Cell & Molecular Research Lab is advancing understanding of how breast cancer develops at the cellular level, including research into earlier detection through blood markers and new treatment targets for aggressive forms such as triple negative breast cancer. Brandon University is at the forefront of this innovative research.

“Community-driven funding plays a critical role in accelerating discovery,” said event organizer, and Waves of Hope member, Faye Simpson. “It allows researchers to spend more time in the lab and less time pursuing grant funding.”

Brandon University’s Acting Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Greg Gatien, who attended the event, agreed that the effect of community members coming together is undeniable.

“I was deeply moved and affected by this event. Among many things I learned from these remarkable women, is that when it comes to cancer, there’s no underestimating the power of community, and especially of positive community,” Gatien said. “It was inspiring and emotional to hear from speakers who described their own cancer journeys in very raw terms, and I came away from the event with deep and increased appreciation for their strength, generosity, and determination. I was also reminded that we have life-changing, world-class research happening right here at BU, in Dr. Majumder’s lab.”

For Waves of Hope team manager Michelle Gerrard, a 23-year survivor of triple negative breast cancer, the impact of community support is central to the event’s purpose.

“When you’re going through something as overwhelming as cancer treatment, having a group of people who understand without explanation makes all the difference,” she said. “This conference is about creating that same sense of connection while helping people better understand what’s available to them and the research happening in our own community.”

Through A Day of Hope & Education and the Hope in Our Backyard campaign, Waves of Hope continues its nearly three-decade commitment to supporting survivors, raising awareness and fostering hope—while ensuring that life-changing research continues to grow close to home.

To learn more or to donate to the Hope in Our Backyard campaign, visit wavesofhope.ca/hopeinourbackyard.

About Waves of Hope

The Waves of Hope dragon boat team formed in 1999 as Canada’s 12th dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors. Based in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, members live within a 200 km radius of Brandon in western Manitoba. Waves paddlers meet to celebrate life and to pursue better health through fitness, sport, social events, and outreach activities.

​The team roster includes both active paddlers (breast cancer survivors) and a support team (may or may not be survivors). A full crew of our dragon boat team is 20 paddlers, one steersperson and one drummer. Waves currently has more the 40 active paddlers with more than double that number in its alumni and supportive ranks.

​Each year in May, when the winter ice leaves Lake Minnedosa, 50 km north of Brandon, Waves of Hope practices weekly throughout the summer season in the team’s beloved boat, Kindred Spirit. Festivals and demonstrations round out the season on the water.

Waves of Hope’s mission is to celebrate life through dragon boat paddling, raise awareness, and promote early detection of breast cancer. The team wishes to reach all Westman and Parkland region residents with its message of early detection hope and vitality, while offering encouragement and support after a diagnosis of breast cancer.

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