Losing his 33-year-old daughter, Allison, to brain cancer changed Wayne Dunn’s life in ways he never imagined. What started as one family’s heartbreaking loss slowly became a mission to help others facing the same disease. The London, Ontario philanthropist started the Done With Cancer Run in Alison’s memory, turning personal grief into a fundraising campaign that has raised more than C$1.6 million for brain cancer research. Her decades of service to charities, food banks and children’s organizations has now earned her a further distinction as the first recipient of the City of London’s newly created Order of London, recognizing her lifelong commitment to community service.
How brain cancer inspired Wayne Dunn’s mission
Wayne Dunn had spent decades supporting charitable causes before his family was struck by cancer. Their daughter Alison was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and often fatal form of brain cancer, at the age of 33. She had three young children and died in 2020, just four months after her diagnosis. Rather than allow grief to define his future, Dunn decided to honor her memory by launching the Dunn With Cancer Run. The event has since become a major fundraising initiative supporting brain cancer research across Canada, with proceeds helping researchers develop better treatments and improve outcomes for future patients.
a lifetime of giving back
Long before founding Cancer Run, Dunn had become one of London’s best-known community volunteers. He has led the Business Cares food drive since its inception, helping to raise millions of dollars and thousands of tonnes of food for the London Food Bank. He also founded the Sunshine Foundation Golf Classic, which supports children suffering from severe physical disabilities and life-threatening illnesses. Their work has brought together businesses, volunteers and local organizations to support people in need across the community.
The inspiration behind the Done With Cancer Run
Alison shared her father’s passion for helping others long before his illness. She worked with them on a number of charitable projects and later became community services director at the House of Friendship in Waterloo, where she helped vulnerable people access support services. After her death, Dunn wanted to create something that would reflect her compassion as well as provide funding for research into the disease that took her life. Today, the Done With Cancer Run supports brain tumor research programs in teaching hospitals across Canada and has raised over C$1.6 million.Speaking to CBC, Dunn said meaningful change starts with believing in a cause and taking action rather than just talking about it. They believe that anyone, regardless of age or income, can make a difference by volunteering their time, attending community events or supporting local charities. According to him, successful fundraising is never about one person, but about teams of volunteers, donors and supporters working together towards a common goal.
Receiving the first Order of London
The City of London introduced the Order of London as part of its bicentenary celebrations to honor residents who have made exceptional contributions to the community. Dunn became the first recipient of this honor, recognizing decades of leadership in charitable fundraising and volunteer work. He described the award as humbling and said it reflects the efforts of the many people who stood by him during his journey to raise funds.
A legacy built on hope
Although his work has received widespread recognition, Dunn says his focus remains on helping others rather than celebrating personal achievements. Her journey from losing a daughter to creating a movement to raise money shows how personal tragedy can inspire lasting change. Through food drives, children’s charities and brain cancer research, Wayne Dunn continues to encourage others to give of their time, support worthwhile causes and believe that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.