Meet the Team

Dr. Michael Taccone

President  /  Survivor

Neurosurgery Resident, University of Ottawa

Michael is a senior resident of neurosurgery at the University of Ottawa and a Vanier Scholar PhD student at the University of Toronto. His clinical interests and research interests are within the area of neuro-oncology—specifically novel therapeutics and diagnostics. He intends to pursue a clinician-scientist career as a pediatric neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical treatment of childhood brain tumours and needs of long-term brain tumour survivors.

Beyond academia, Michael advocates and creates opportunities for patients and survivors to help guide health research and clinical decision making. He believes in a partnership approach, where patients and healthcare professionals align as equal participants in the common mission to improve health and quality of life.

Raweya Abdulwali

Secretary  /  Survivor

Lawyer, Department of Canadian Heritage

Raweya currently works in the Marketplace and Legislative Policy Directorate at the Department of Canadian Heritage. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts with Specialization in English (2009) and a Juris Doctor (2015) from the University of Ottawa. Raweya was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2016. She is a proud survivor of childhood cancer and is honoured to serve as the legal counsel and secretary for Childhood Cancer Survivor Canada.

Brendan Miller

Treasurer  /  Friend of a Survivor

Regional Controller, Nature Conservatory of Canada

Brendan is a not-for-profit accountant who advocates for child health in Canada. He has 5 years experience in the child healthcare industry and a distinct reputation as an accountant and financial analyst in the not-for-profit sector. Brendan holds a Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology where he graduated with distinction.

Leonard Nolasco

Director  /  Friend of a Survivor

Manager of Major Gifts, SickKids Foundation

As Manager for Major Gifts at SickKids Foundation, Leonard oversees fundraising activities for SickKids’ international philanthropic priorities and works with local philanthropists to support the hospital’s highest priority needs. Prior to joining SickKids Foundation in 2017, Leonard worked at The Hospital for Sick Children in various roles. More recently, as Project Manager, he led the SickKids International commissioning and operationalization of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.