It is through the commitment of each of our volunteers that we as a Foundation family will improve the patient journey. We thank our volunteers for their dedication to the GBS, CIDP and MMN community.
Our work would not be possible without the help of our volunteers
Each April, we take a moment to celebrate and thank our team of volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation week. Here are just a few comments from the many volunteers from across Canada highlighting what volunteering means to them. Interested in joining our team and making a difference?
I volunteer to create a community, support, togetherness, camaraderie and guidance for all parties involved.
Candine Blackbeard, ON, GBS Survivor
I volunteer to help people feel acknowledged, connected, supported and part of a community.
Cheryl Dean, BC, GBS Survivor
I volunteer to increase awareness, so patients get timely treatment. I volunteer out of gratitude that my husband survived this horrible disease
Nancy Galaski, ON, Caregiver
I volunteer to show that we are not alone, and to help break out of isolation — it really makes a difference.
Sylvain Bousquet, QC, CIDP Warrior
Why do I volunteer? Because it is rewarding, appreciated, and someone understands.
Marilyn Thompson, ON, CIDP Warrior
I volunteer for all the ‘turtles’ who need support and encouragement as they face these conditions.
Estée Dauphin, QC, GBS Warrior
By volunteering my experience may assist those newly diagnosed.
Richard O’Brien, ON, CIDP Warrior
Why Oskar said "When my body stopped working properly, I was really scared, and I would have liked to talk to another kid who'd had GBS."
Tara and Oskar, BC, Caregiver & GBS Survivor
I volunteer so that I can give back to an organization that has helped me in so many ways!
Roger Walls, AB, CIDP Warrior
I want everyone living with GBS to be able to find the , courage and information necessary to recover one step at a time!
Valérie St. Pierre, QC, GBS Warrior
I love my wife, her pain is my cause. I volunteer to ‘pay it forward' from those who rallied around us and to advance research in this rare disease.
Ron Van Holst, ON, Caregiver
Why do I volunteer? Because no one should go through GBS or CIDP alone.
Linda Paul, ON, CIDP Warrior
I want to help others find the same support and hope that the group gave me when I needed it.
Stéphane Dugal, QC, GBS Warrior
I volunteer to show others they are not alone, that there is hope for the future and there is life after GBS.
Holly Helm, AB, GBS Warrior
Inquire about becoming a volunteer!
Please fill in the form below, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Note that our organization only takes Canadian residents as volunteers. If you live elsewhere, please head over to the GBS/CIDP Foundation International’s website for volunteering information.
Walter Keast Award
The Walter Keast award is given to an individual for exemplary service to the GBS, CIDP, and MMN community.
Past winners
Jenny Rybie
2024
Miranda & Ameliya Pellett
2023
Nancy Galaski
2022
Cheryl Dean
2021
Jason Kent
2019
Dean Lower
2018
Holly Gerlach
2017
Know someone who deserves this award?
We accept nominations for the Walter Keast award from September 1 - November 15 each year, for a community member who has made an outstanding contribution.
Check back on September 1st to nominate someone!