Bravery Inspired Our Community To Raise $500,000 For Local Cancer Care
Windsor, ON — July 22, 2025 — What does it feel like to face your biggest fear? That’s the powerful
question the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation posed to our community; and the response was
nothing short of extraordinary.
The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation’s 2nd annual Show Us Your Brave campaign challenged
individuals to confront their fears not just for themselves, but for cancer patients in our community who
must face their diagnosis with courage every day.
Bravery came in many forms. Some participants pledged to sing in front of a crowd after reaching their
fundraising goals. Others stepped out of their comfort zones by trying new fitness classes, with proceeds
supporting the campaign. And on Brave Day June 21st, 100 courageous individuals stepped over the edge
of the CIBC building, rappelling 170 feet from the roof in downtown Windsor.
Show Us Your Brave is a powerful reminder that courage looks different for everyone, and there are
countless ways to stand beside our cancer community. Thanks to over 2,100 generous donations, the
campaign raised an incredible $376,111 in support of local cancer care.
“This campaign is a testament to the strength and compassion of our hometown,” said Houida Kassem,
Executive Director of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. “We are a community of action, courage,
and connection. And courage, we’ve learned, is contagious. It inspires others to act, to give, and to
bravely stand together in support of our cancer community.”
The campaign’s impact didn’t stop there. Inspired by the community’s courage, local philanthropist John
Viecelli made a generous contribution, bringing the campaign’s total to an astounding $500,000!
“I came to this country many years ago with nothing but a suitcase and a dream,” said Viecelli. “This
community gave me everything; opportunity, hope, and a future. Now, I’m proud to give back and bring
hope, support, and healing to cancer patients who need it most. To the doctors, the nurses, and
especially the families and the patients — this donation is for you.”
All funds raised through “Show Us Your Brave” stay local, supporting world-class cancer care close to
home. The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation’s Show Us Your Brave campaign will return in Spring
2026, encouraging members of our community to step outside their comfort zone and support local
cancer care.
[IN FEATURED PHOTO FROM LEFT TO RIGHT] Jeff Burrows representing LiUNA625!, Dr. Sindu Kanjeekal, Chief of Oncology, Aliya Jasey Show Us Your Brave participant, Joe Beneteau Show Us Your Brave Ambassador, Jonathan Foster Clinical Vice President, Houida Kassem Executive Director of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, John Viecelli Major Donor, Jim Scott Chair of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation Board of Directors and CEO of Ground Effects, Carson Woodall of Woodies Hoodies Show Us Your Brave Participant, and Gabriella Barile, supporter and daughter of campaign Ambassador Maria Barile.
Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation
Brandy Coulsey, Marketing and Communications Manager
519-254-5577 ext. 58559
bcoulsey@windsorcancerfoundation.org
www.windsorcancerfoundation.org
About Show Us Your Brave
Show Us Your Brave is a fundraising and awareness campaign supporting cancer patients from Windsor-Essex,
Chatham-Kent, and Sarnia-Lambton. Make the pledge to raise funds, and step outside your comfort zone and try something new. By showing the bravery inside of you – Your Brave – you are stepping up and showing support for patients in our community who will hear the words ‘You have cancer’. Our loved ones are bravely facing cancer. Are you ready to Show Us Your Brave?
About the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation
The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation serves as the official fundraising arm for the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, fulfilling requests of the Windsor Regional Cancer Program. These requests include the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, patient amenities, and initiatives, such as the Patient Assistance Fund, and our Seeds4Hope program which supports excellent local cancer research. 100% of funds raised stays local and supports world class cancer care close to home. Thanks to tremendous community support, the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation has raised over $30 million to date!