Get Involved, Waves of Hope Dragon Boat Team

A Day of
Hope & Education

Saturday, April 11, 2026

10 AM to 4 PM

Harvest Hall, Brandon University

You're invited to A Day of Hope & Education—a one-day event focused on learning and living before, during and after breast cancer.

Hosted by us, Waves of Hope, Westman and Parkland’s breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, this inspiring day brings together those impacted by breast cancer for practical information, supportive resources and meaningful conversation. Whether you are a patient, survivor, caregiver or supporter, this event is designed to inform, connect and empower.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented at this conference is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Conference speakers and organizers are not providing individual medical guidance. Breast cancer research and clinical recommendations may change over time as new evidence emerges. Attendees should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or decisions, including screening, diagnosis, treatment options, or changes to medications or care plans.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Participants will enjoy:

Expert-led presentations on top-of-mind topics related to the latest breast cancer information and research
Opportunities for connection and shared learning
Supportive resources for living well before, during and after breast cancer
Lunch and refreshments included with registration

You’ll leave the day feeling informed, supported and empowered with hope and knowledge.

PRESENTATION LINE-UP

The day’s presenter lineup offers a thoughtful balance of leading-edge research, practical education and whole-person care. Together, the presenters will provide attendees with credible information, practical tools and a broader understanding of care options before, during and after breast cancer.

AGENDA

9 AM: Doors open

10 AM: Welcome

10:15 AM: Dense Breasts: What you Need to Know

11:15 AM: Refreshment break

11:30 AM: Complementary Therapies Panel: Reflexology, Lymphedema & Movement

12:30 PM: Lunch, Vendor Visiting & Rainbow Auction

1:30 PM: Stronger Together: A Musical Moment by Femme

2 PM: Keynote Presentation: Dr. M. Majumder

3 PM: A Community: Waves of Hope

4 PM: End

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets include full access to the event, presentations, lunch, and refreshments.

Single Ticket: $45
Table of 8: $320

HOW TO PURCHASE

Tickets may be purchased online through Eventbrite by selecting this button:

Online Ticket Purchase

Physical tickets are also available through Waves of Hope members.

For physical tickets in each of the three regions we represent, please contact:

Parkland: Yvonne Smith – 204-548-4080 (home) or 204-572-6756 (cell)
Minnedosa: Lori Harrison – 204-867-5232 (home) or 204-867-5554 (cell)
Brandon: Barb Hildebrand - 204-570-0709 or bhildebrand67@outlook.com

SPEAKERS

The day will feature an outstanding lineup of knowledgeable and inspiring speakers who bring both expertise and compassion to the conversation around breast cancer. Attendees will hear from researchers and presenters who are at the forefront of breast cancer knowledge, offering insight into the latest research, emerging approaches, and practical considerations for living well before, during, and after a diagnosis.

Dr. Mousumi Majumder
Tier II Canada Research Chair in Genotoxicology

Dr. Mousumi Majumder started her career in India, earning a PhD in oral cancer genetics and epidemiology in 2009 and completed her post-doctoral training at Western University in Ontario. In 2016, she made her way to Brandon University as an Assistant Professor in the university’s biology department, where she earned the distinction of Canada Research Chair Tier II in Genotoxicology. She is a science advocate with Breast Cancer Canada, and the research she conducts is currently not being done anywhere else in the world.

Jenny Borgfjord

Dense Breasts Canada

Jenny is a veteran educator and the Manitoba Director of Education and Advocacy for Dense Breasts Canada, where she helps people better understand what dense breasts mean for screening and breast health. A breast cancer survivor who still has dense breasts, Jenny brings both professional knowledge and lived experience and isn’t afraid to use a little humour along the way. She’s a mom of four, wife to Mark, and is passionate about helping others become more informed and confident advocates for their own breast health.

Dense Breasts Canada is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to educating and empowering individuals about breast density and its impact on cancer detection and risk. The organization also advocates across all areas of breast cancer to improve awareness, informed decision-making, and equitable access to appropriate screening and care across Canada.

Kayla Bueckert

Occupational & Lymphedema Therapist, CancerCare

Kayla Bueckert is the Lymphedema Therapist at Western Manitoba Cancer Center (WMCC) in Brandon. Prior to WMCC, she worked as an Occupational Therapist in the Brandon hospital and in community. She has treated 80+ individuals struggling with lymphedema in her time at CancerCare.

Kayla treats various types of lymphedemas such as, upper extremity, lower extremity, truncal, breast, head and neck, and genital. Primarily, her focus has been upper extremity, breast, and head and neck lymphedema. Recognizing this was much of her caseload, she has taken additional education in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation and Head and Neck lymphedema. She is a certified garment fitter, as compression is an important aspect of lymphedema treatment. Kayla dedicates herself to client centered care. She listens to her patient’s needs and understands that lymphedema does not exist in a vacuum, you must treat the whole person. In addition, she believes exercise to be an important aspect of treatment and will often prescribe individual based exercise programs.

Wendy Blondeau, LCRT, RCRT

Licensed Canadian Reflexology Teacher and Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist

Wendy Blondeau, LCRT, RCRT, is a Licensed Canadian Reflexology Teacher and Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist with 18 years of hands-on practice in Brandon, Manitoba. She brings a grounded and compassionate approach to both teaching and clinical practice and is deeply passionate about education, evidence-informed care, and supporting holistic health through reflexology.

Jamee George

Personal Trainer & Physical Educator

Jamee George, a born and raised Brandonite who grew up playing local sports, now a well-known Personal Trainer, Coach and Physical Educator here in our community.

Jamee is here to share her experiences working one on one with clients whom have had cancer and/or have been through circumstances that have placed them into some form of medical treatment/rehab, as well as her own personal journey with her son’s cancer diagnosis.

Through Jamee’s own journey with her son’s rare medical diagnosis, Craniopharyngioma, a 1 in a million benign brain cancer, she has experienced hands on what it’s like to be “on that side” of the medical system. Having such a rare diagnosis, minimal education and research on the cause let alone very few treatment options with many, not so pleasant, side effects. The experience alone of living through a year or more long of treatment, the changes it has on one’s life… not knowing what will be on the other side, but stability... remission. Jamee brings her story of how she overcame the stresses and anxieties of what it’s like living with a life altering medical diagnosis.

FAQs

Our FAQs are designed to help you feel informed and prepared before the event. Here you’ll find answers to common questions about tickets, the venue, accessibility, the day’s schedule, and what to expect when you arrive. If you don’t see your question answered, please reach out—we’re happy to help ensure your experience at A Day of Hope and Education is a welcoming and supportive one.

What is this event in support of?

All proceeds of this event will go towards supporting the research done at Brandon University’s Breast Cancer Cell & Molecular Research Lab led by Dr. Majumder.

What time does the event start?

Doors open at 9 AM, and we will begin promptly at 10 AM.

Where should I park for this event?

The closest parking to Harvest Hall is at Brandon University's Healthy Living Centre parking lot (Parking Lot 10) on Louise Avenue & 18th St at $1.50 per hour. Lots 5 & 6 also accept hourly parking. Metered street parking is available, although 2 hrs is the maximum park time. For more information about parking at Brandon University, visit their short-term parking page or view their campus parking map.

When does the event start?

The event will start at 10 AM, but doors will open at 9 AM. Please arrive early so you are settled and ready to begin the day at 10 AM.

Is lunch included?

Yes, refreshments and lunch are included with the purchase of your ticket.

I have dietary restrictions (allergies, etc) - what should I do?

Please contact Waves of Hope at DayOfHopeAndEducation@gmail.com at least one week before the event date, and we will do our very best to accommodate your needs.

Besides presentations, what other activities are happening on this day?

Waves of Hope will also have a rainbow auction (cash only), various vendors, and a wonderful lunch performance. We are looking forward to wrapping you up in as much information, support and hope as possible!

Do I need to bring anything in particular?

All food and beverage are included in the cost of your ticket. However, if you’d like to participate in the Rainbow Auction or donate to the Waves of Hope fundraising campaign, please bring cash. There will be many beautiful prizes to be won and fundraising campaign socks for sale!

What should I wear?

While we endeavour to make the day as comfortable as possible, Harvest Hall may be cooler or warmer, depending on Mother Nature. Please dress in layers for your added comfort.

Do I need to show my tickets at the door?

Yes, please keep your tickets handy—you will need to bring them with you the day of the event. Please download the EventBrite app or print the tickets out to show at the door.

I need to contact Waves of Hope – how do I do so?

Please contact Waves of Hope at DayofHopeandEducation@gmail.com and someone will respond to you shortly.

A Day of Hope & Education