Alumni Update – 2026 TFHA Graduates
2021, Abby McCluskey
Degree:
Bachelor of Health Science
University:
Queen’s University
Having graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences last spring, Abby (she/her) just finished her first year of Medical School at the University of British Columbia. Since reaching a place of recovery from the mental health challenges she faced in her youth, Abby has become a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and healthcare system change at the provincial and national levels.
Receiving the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award was transformative for her, allowing her to continue engaging in volunteer, advocacy, and humanitarian work during her post-secondary education. Abby’s lived experience as a patient continues to drive her desire to create change, and she hopes to bring this determination, resilience, empathy, and authenticity to her future medical practice.
2024, Alexandra Elmslie
Degree:
Honours Bachelor of Science – Developmental Cognitive
Neuroscience
University:
University of Western Ontario
Driven by a deep commitment to equity, accessibility, and psychological well-being, Alexandra is a strong advocate for neurodivergent youth and inclusive mental health care. As someone with ADHD herself, Alexandra has dedicated her life to scholastic pursuits and humanitarian efforts that support neurodivergent individuals. She firmly believes in working alongside, not against, one’s brain to harness its unique strengths. With this perspective, Alexandra emerged as a beacon of resilience and compassion and has since been actively supporting and advocating for others with “invisible disabilities.”
Alexandra’s impact extends beyond personal triumphs, evidenced by her leadership roles and volunteer efforts. Whether conducting ADHD research at Western University’s Brain and Mind Institute, supporting occupational therapy for dementia patients at the Parkwood Mental Health Hospital, or providing executive functioning tutoring to youth with ADHD and learning disabilities, Alexandra’s compassion and empathy shine brightly. She displays a strong commitment to supporting others and creating inclusive environments on a local and provincial scale, and she is especially passionate about expanding equitable access to mental health care for neurodivergent youth.
“I firmly believe that psychological services are a universal human right that should be accessible to all. I hope to equip neurodiverse youth with the knowledge to identify their struggles, the courage to reach out for help when required, and the support to navigate their personal journey,” explains Alexandra.
Alexandra is a recent graduate of Western University, where she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience with Scholar’s Electives designation. Motivated by her passion for equitable psychological support, Alexandra plans to become a child psychologist and provide services to socioeconomically disadvantaged youth using her lived experience.
2022, Ashki Shkur
Degree:
Bachelor of Science – Integrated Sciences
University:
University of British Columbia
My journey into science and medicine has been shaped not only by academic curiosity but by lived experience. At 11, I fled Kurdistan with my family due to gender-based persecution, navigating a long and uncertain journey in search of safety and opportunity. After arriving in Canada, I became the primary English speaker in my family, advocating through complex immigration processes while helping my family rebuild in a low-income household in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. These experiences have deeply influenced how I understand health, not only as a biological process, but as something shaped by social, cultural, and structural realities.
After graduating from UBC with a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Sciences, combining immunology, microbiology, and nutrition, I will continue to build towards a career that bridges research and patient care.
This year, I will be working as a technician in an ophthalmology clinic, strengthening my clinical skills while learning directly from patients navigating complex health challenges. Contributing to their care is a meaningful step towards becoming a physician who listens, advocates, and practices with both scientific precision and compassion.
Alongside this, I will continue my research on maternal autoimmune diseases and their relationship to neurodevelopmental outcomes, particularly ADHD in children. This work reflects my interest in how early-life exposures shape long-term health and informs my commitment to more preventative and equitable approaches to care. I will also continue my involvement with Ride for Refuge, supporting refugees through fundraising for mental health, housing, and education initiatives, while expanding my work with the Melius Mentorship Network to guide marginalized students through educational transitions and access to higher education opportunities.
Following this gap year, I plan to apply to medical school, with the goal of integrating clinical care, research, and advocacy to reduce health disparities.
“The decisions around my education and leaving Kurdistan were risks informed by my hopes for the future; although challenging, these obstacles have brought me closer to my goals.” – Ashki Shkur
2022, Caleb Small
Degree:
Bachelor of Health Science – Biomedical Sciences
University:
University of Calgary
Caleb is finishing his Bachelor of Health Science in Biomedical Sciences and plans on studying medicine at the University of Calgary after finishing his degree. Caleb remains highly involved in humanitarian and volunteer initiatives, including serving as the National Vice President of Experience for Youreka Canada, a national organization that enables high school students to conduct meaningful biomedical research projects. Caleb also volunteers with his local church in several capacities, such as music directing, leading at a mid-week youth program, and serving unhoused people in downtown Calgary.
Academically, Caleb continues to participate in valuable interdisciplinary research related to cancer immunotherapy and human skin wound healing. Caleb is very grateful for the impact that the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award program has had on his undergraduate experience and is excited to see all of the wonderful ways in which the new recipients will change our country and the world for years to come.
2022, Cassandra Gillen
Degree:
Bachelor of Social Science – International Development and
Globalization, with a minor in History
University:
University of Ottawa
From a young age, Cassandra has dedicated herself to helping others. While she started fundraising for various humanitarian causes at the age of four, she eventually shifted her efforts to volunteering as a tween. Throughout her teenage years, Cassandra volunteered at WIAIH (West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped), was a member of her city’s Youth Advisory Board, advocated for better mental health services for teens on her MNA’s youth council, and was a member of Girl Guides of Canada’s National Youth Council.
Currently, Cassandra is in her eighth year of volunteering as an athletics and snowshoeing coach with Special Olympics Canada. She has attended several provincial games and is heading to her second National Games as a Team Quebec coach in August 2026. She is also a part of the Support Through Sport Program as a youth coach. As a member of this five-year program looking to address gender-based violence and teen dating violence through sports, Cassandra represents sports specifically for individuals with disabilities. Cassandra continues to volunteer in other ways. She is a Girl Guides Ranger Leader and supports the World Association for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in various volunteering positions.
Cassandra graduated in December 2025 from the University of Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor of Social Science in International Development and Globalization and a minor in History, co-op stream. She will be attending the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University this coming fall to begin her Master of International Affairs in the conflict stream. Once she has graduated, she hopes to work in post-conflict development to better support impacted individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities.
2022, Chloe Gylander
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Economics
University:
University of Alberta
Chloe Gylander is graduating from the University of Alberta with her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and minor in Economics. Chloe will begin her journey towards obtaining a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology in Fall 2026. Currently, she works with children and youth healing from sexual abuse trauma at an inpatient therapy centre.
During her undergraduate degree, Chloe’s humanitarian efforts have taken her worldwide — cleaning beaches in San Diego, California, and working to provide shoes and clothes to children and families in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Through her roles as VP Events and later President of Champions of Change at the University of Alberta, she raised more than $10,000 for organizations such as Basically Babies, Warm Hands Warm Hearts, Soles4Souls, and PLAN International, among others. In addition, she spent four years supporting new students through the University of Alberta Students’ Union and the Week of Welcome program. In her final semester, she gained research experience in a lab studying autobiographical memory and hindsight bias.
Inspired by her time as the only girl on her high school’s tackle football team, Chloe returned as the founding head coach of the girls’ flag football team.
To celebrate her graduation, Chloe recently embarked on a three-month backpacking trip across Europe. Upon her return, she will continue working with youth healing from sexual abuse trauma before pursuing her master’s. In the future, she hopes to use her master’s degree for victims’ rights advocacy, child exploitation prevention, and policy reform.
2022, David He
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts – Sociology
University:
Bates College
David He is passionate about consulting, public policy, and creating meaningful impact.
In 2021, he was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, where he served a two-year term providing non-partisan advice on education, the economy, climate change, and other issues affecting young people in Canada. At the G20 in India, David negotiated policy alongside representatives and diplomats, successfully advocating for stronger youth representation in government decision-making. He helped develop recommendations that were ultimately presented to G20 world leaders, including President Biden.
David later became one of the first youth advisors to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, where he delivered speeches and advanced creative ideas focused on conflict mitigation and cross-cultural understanding. Most recently, he completed a four-month research voyage aboard a vessel that travelled across ten countries, where he studied globalization, youth civic engagement, and populist movements from a comparative perspective.
A recent recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his service to Canadians, David has also shared his personal journey through three TEDx talks, motivated by his belief that meaningful change begins from within. He lived and studied at Pearson College UWC, Canada’s most international high school, alongside students representing more than 150 nationalities, an experience that further shaped his global outlook.
Recently, David was a member of the varsity gliding team and a visiting student at Oxford University during the 2024–2025 academic year. He is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Bates College, where he serves on the Budget and Finance Advisory Committee. His undergraduate thesis focuses on Canadian populism through the lens of political and sociological theory. In his free time, David enjoys hiking, canoeing, DJing, and flying as a licensed private pilot.
2021, Julia Seymour
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
University:
University of Guelph
As an advocate for mental health, Julia helped launch the Youth Forum, a mental health pilot program at her school, and leads the Youth Ambassador Committee with Halton Women’s Place, a local women’s shelter. She co-hosts the Youth Pod podcast which sparks conversations about healthy relationships, self-esteem, and mental health. She cares deeply about helping others, volunteering at the Good Shepherd Venture Centre, the Acclaim Health Seniors’ Day program, and with special-needs students as part of the Best Buddies program. Having dealt with family illness, Julia refuses to let her obstacles bring her down: “I am grateful for the adversity I have faced because it has shaped who I am and where I want to go.” Julia hopes to pursue medicine to broaden her impact even further.
2021 Recipient Bio
2021, Keeley Shipley
Degree:
Bachelor of Education
University:
University of New Brunswick
I am excited to be completing my Bachelor of Education this June at the University of New Brunswick and look forward to beginning the next chapter of my career working with children and youth. Last May, I completed a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Creative Writing and Psychology, which allowed me to explore both human behaviour and the power of communication, creativity, and connection. Together, these academic experiences have shaped my passion for supporting young people socially, emotionally, and academically.
During my time at UNB, I have had the privilege of volunteering with a local second-stage housing organization that supports women and children who have experienced domestic violence. This experience deepened my understanding of the importance of safe, caring, and supportive environments for children and families during times of transition. It also strengthened my commitment to empathy, advocacy, and helping others build resilience and confidence.
Looking ahead, I am excited to begin my teaching career while pursuing further education in counselling, psychology, and research-based fields focused on helping others. I have a strong interest in exploring advanced studies that would allow me to better understand child development, mental health, and ways to support children and families. In the long term, I hope to combine education, psychology, and research to make a meaningful contribution to the well-being of children, youth, and communities.
2022, Maddison Tory
Degree:
Bachelor of Health Sciences
University:
University of Calgary
Maddison’s healthcare journey began at age 13 when she underwent heart surgery, followed by multiple hospitalizations that shaped her commitment to improving patient care. Since then, she has dedicated herself to advancing more compassionate, patient- and family-centred healthcare systems through advocacy, research, and innovation.
Maddison is graduating this year with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours). Throughout her degree, she has been actively involved in health research in the Pediatric Anesthesia, Imaging and Neurodevelopment Science (P.A.I.N.S.) Lab. Her work includes MRI-based neuroimaging, such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) analysis, and supporting transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), contributing to research exploring child brain development and health outcomes. She also serves on the Research Planning Governance Committee with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, helping guide long-term strategic planning for child health research.
In parallel with her academic work, Maddison is the founder of HUG & Spoon Co., a social enterprise dedicated to designing IV- and port-accessible hoodies, as well as accessible jewellery and clothing for individuals undergoing medical treatments. Moving forward, she hopes to expand this company to improve comfort, dignity, and accessibility for patients navigating healthcare environments.
Maddison has also held leadership roles in provincial advisory councils, advocating for youth voices in healthcare policy and program development.
Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies, where she aims to integrate clinical care, research, and advocacy. Her long-term goal is to improve patient experiences by bridging gaps between healthcare systems and the lived realities of those they serve.
2021, Mary England
Degree:
Bachelor of Engineering
University:
McMaster University
“It is my ambition to eliminate teenage homelessness,” says Mary England. Working with Covenant House, Mary’s efforts include fundraising, food drives, and the Covenant House Sleep Out – a program which has raised over $60,000 to fund initiatives for at-risk and homeless youth. A member of the YouthLAB committee, Mary advocates for troubled teens in her community and is a certified First Responder at her school. She also has a passion for STEM, tutoring students at her school and in the community, leading the Math Club, and experimenting with new technologies for the FIRST Robotics Team. She will be studying Engineering at McMaster University, where she can build things that will have a positive impact on the lives of others.
2021 Recipient Bio
2021, Melissa Vella
Degree:
Bachelor of Science Health Sciences
University:
University of Western Ontario
I just completed my dual degree (Health Sciences and Ivey) and have worked at RBC for four co-op terms and Fidelity Investments for one co-op term. I received full-time offers from both companies.
2022, Paityn Bobay
Degree:
Bachelor of Health Sciences
University:
Queen’s University
Paityn is an exceptional advocate for equitable access to essential services and community opportunities among individuals facing financial barriers. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting inclusion and equity through various fundraisers and programs designed to support underserved populations. Drawing on her own experience of financial challenges, Paityn understands the profound impact that poverty and exclusion can have on individuals and families around the globe.
In her time at Queen’s University, Paityn has translated her personal experiences into meaningful action. She has maintained a leadership role in Jack.org, advocating for individuals with mental health concerns through conferences and fundraisers. Additionally, she fights against the scourge of poverty by working for Almost Home, a place of respite for families of children undergoing medical care. Further, Paityn has raised thousands of dollars to support cancer patients and their families.
Aspiring to become a federal health policymaker, Paityn is committed to advocating for the less fortunate and encouraging better, more equitable healthcare. Graduating with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, Paityn is now transitioning to the University of Toronto where she will work towards a Master of Public Policy while continuing to participate in humanitarian work.
“Many Canadians, at some point, have faced systemic barriers to accessing adequate healthcare. What fundamentally separates us as individuals, however, is how we respond to these challenges. As an advocate for equity, I aspire to redress Canada’s most pressing health policy concerns surrounding mental health and financial barriers. Ultimately, I strive to be the spark that ignites a fire of integral change.” – Paityn Bobay
2023, Rhea Bhalla
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
University:
University of Manitoba
Rhea was born with a speech disability which left her functionally mute for the first decade of her life. Through her role as an active advocate and member of the disability community, she aims to use her lived and volunteer experiences to advance disability justice.
Today, Rhea has founded national and regional support groups with the Canadian Stuttering Association and has lead workshops at their national conference. She has authored research papers in peer-reviewed journals, medaled at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, presided as president in her high school science club, and Rhea also volunteers at her local nursing home.
Rhea tells us, “For myself, and the many other Canadians with disabilities, our lives are shaped by the lasting legacy of Terry Fox, the most famous disabled person in Canadian history. In bringing awareness to the disabled community while facing immense challenges, Terry Fox redefined societal views on persons with disabilities. His achievements set the foundation for many others to break down the social and institutional barriers limiting persons with disabilities. By following in the footsteps of Terry Fox, I hope to continue the work [that is] so vital to helping our community flourish. In the future, my dedication to working with people with disabilities will guide my work as a physician committed to serving disabled patients.”
Rhea plans to begin her undergraduate journey at the University of Manitoba and hopes to pursue medicine.
2023 Recipient Bio
2021, Sara Boubekri
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
University:
University of Montreal
Sara Boubekri was inspired to start an organization to support underprivileged youth because of her own struggles growing up. “My experiences with socio-economic inequalities remarkably shaped my vision of life,” says Sara. With her initiative The Change Makers, Sara advocates for equal access to education, while motivating young people to make change. She has raised funds for the Relay for Life, been a UNICEF representative, and started SYNAPSES, a scientific journal dedicated to using technology to revolutionize the healthcare field. In August, she will enter medicine at Université de Montréal and will continue to lead projects to make this world a better place.
2021 Recipient Bio
2022, Ye-Jean Park
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
University:
University of Toronto
Ye-Jean Park is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto Medical School and an incoming Internal Medicine resident at the University of Calgary. Raised in a hardworking immigrant family, she grew up witnessing her parents navigate long days in their small restaurant. These early experiences shaped her understanding of how social determinants of health drive inequities in chronic disease and access to care.
Guided by these insights and inspired by Terry Fox’s enduring message of perseverance and hope, Ye-Jean has dedicated her work to advancing community health equity. As Co-Founder of the Home Food Community Kitchen, she has helped deliver over 500 culturally meaningful meal kits and led educational programming on affordable, nutritious cooking for students and families. Building on this work, she also co-founded InterKits Outreach, an award-winning initiative that provides essential care packages and physician-reviewed health literacy resources to patients and equity-deserving populations.
At the national level, Ye-Jean has been deeply involved in political advocacy through the Canadian Federation of Medical Students. In 2023, she helped spearhead the policy proposal “Tackling National Food Insecurity” and led consultations with diverse stakeholders. She has presented policy recommendations directly to Members of Parliament, Senators, and senior federal advisors, and currently leads ongoing efforts to sustain legislative engagement and student training.
Beyond her advocacy work, Ye-Jean is committed to mentorship and the arts. She supports students from underrepresented backgrounds through multiple mentorship programs and shares her passion for music as a cellist in long-term care homes. Her clinical and advocacy efforts were previously recognized through the Golden Stethoscope and FitzGerald Humanism Awards.
Looking ahead, Ye-Jean aspires to become a clinician-scientist, integrating preventive medicine, public health advocacy, and research to address systemic inequities in care. She remains committed to carrying forward Terry Fox’s legacy of compassion, equity, and resilience.
2022, Zachary Newman
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
University:
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Zachary’s journey towards humanitarianism began with his brother, who will always be his greatest inspiration. His family’s experiences with mental illness, suicide, and their journey toward health have given Zachary a specific drive to help others going through similar challenges.
From a small town in Newfoundland, Zachary used his ingenuity and resources to create opportunities to give back. He has worked tirelessly for seniors in his community, where few volunteer resources are available. He began collecting bottles to fundraise at a young age, and when he was able began volunteering at the regional recycling plant, where he could see his contribution take shape.
While his early fundraising efforts initially would go towards the Janeway Children’s Hospital in St. Johns, where he had a cousin in care, his life experiences and observations around his community led him to shift towards donating the money he collected to fight the never-ending war on poverty.
Zachary is currently in grade 12 at Indian River High School, where he is maintaining an Honors average in academic and advanced courses. He is a member of the Student Leadership Group and has been a member of softball, outdoor and indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball and ball hockey. He is recognized widely in his community for his desire and ability to help others.
Zachary is planning to attend the Memorial University of Newfoundland to study Psychology. His dream is to become a psychiatrist and remain in areas of Newfoundland and Labrador where services are desperately needed.
“Through my struggles, I’ve been able to see how important Terry really was to not only Canada but the world. He had a goal he did not back down from, even death itself couldn’t stop him from achieving that goal. I strive every day to be more like Terry Fox.” – Zachary Newman
2022 Recipient Bio
2023, Zahraa Abdul Hasan
Degree:
Bachelor of Health Sciences
University:
Queen’s University
Zahraa faced obstacles in high school that hindered her ability to complete her studies traditionally. She sustained a concussion in Grade 9 which forced her to take a year off to recover. Rather than discouraging her, her time in the hospital inspired Zahraa to give back to her community.
At the age of 15, Zahraa started volunteering at Providence Care Hospital (PCH) where she spent her summers mentoring high school students in the Summer Youth Program. She led hospital-wide programs and helped organize annual fundraisers for the Patient Comfort Fund to enhance patients’ care experience. It was here that Zahraa discovered her passion for volunteering and has since remained closely involved with the organization.
In Grade 11, Zahraa faced a setback when she sustained another concussion. Drawing from her similar setback in Grade 9, she remained resilient and bounced back stronger when she resumed her volunteer work at the hospital. She helped initiate the Friendly Visiting Program at PCH. As the Friendly Visiting Lead, she trained volunteers and advocated to combat the loneliness prevalent among patients.
During her undergraduate studies at Queen’s University, Zahraa pivoted her community involvement to support hospice patients receiving end-of-life care in a specialized home. She was dedicated as a sitting vigil volunteer and provided comfort and companionship to patients without families during their final moments of life.
As Zahraa explains, “As a Terry Fox Scholar, I am constantly reminded of my humanitarian values and of the responsibility I carry as I renew my intentions in being a helper and driver for positive change in the world. This is an onus I will continue to uphold as I support my community.”
Zahraa intends to continue improving the quality of life for patients and families as she pursues a career in healthcare.