Yellowknife couple wants to launch support group for people with brain tumours

A Yellowknife couple wants to start a support group in the city for people withbrain tumours and their families.

MatthewTrembletthad a grand mal seizure in November 2011 and was later found to have ananaplasticastrocytoma, a type of brain cancer, on the left side of his brain.

Tremblettand his wife Aven, who are originally from Yellowknife, moved back to the city in 2014 once Matthew was in remission.

They knew there was no brain tumour support group in the North and immediately asked the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada about starting one. The foundation suggested planning a walk first to gauge community interest.

"I know what it's like to not have somebody to lean on. I know what it's like to not have any support," said Matthew, who lost his driver's licence and sense of independence following his diagnosis.

"I really want to help other people."

Avensaid the hardest part was watching their son grow up in hospitals. He was usually there when his father had seizures.

"He would go over and grab a pillow for Matthew to put his head on when he seized," saidAven.

Support groups helped him cope

Before moving back to Yellowknife, the Tremblettsrelied on support groups in Fredericton, N.B., andEdmonton. The groups connected them toother individuals and families in the same situation.

"Just going there and talking to other brain tumour survivors, people who have beaten the odds it just takes some of the fear away," said Matthew.

Although Matthewremainsin remission, the family still struggles with the aftermath of the brain tumour. They said an annual fundraising and awareness walk and a support group will allow people in the same situation to share their common experiences.

Since the walk was announced, the Trembletts have received lots of positive feedback, including a message from a man in Whitehorse who said he has been through the same situationand will join one of the teams who will be walking. He plans to walk five kilometres at the same time as the Yellowknife walk.

The fundraising began a month ago and more than $8,000 has been pledged so far.

The walk will take place May 29.