TORONTO — Just before her fifth birthday, Meagan Bebenek drew a special picture for Mother’s Day. As she gave it to her mom Denise, she explained how the people in the picture were mommy and daddy and the object above their heads was Meagan, a little angel who would always be with them.

It had been five months since her diagnosis of brain stem glioma, a cancerous and inoperable brain tumour.

In the months that she had cancer, Meagan managed to live life to its fullest, as naturally as a child with her disease could. She went to pre-school when she was well enough, played with friends when she was strong enough and cuddled every living creature she could find.

Meagan died in 2001 with her family by her side. She never complained about her treatments; rather, she focused on making and wrapping presents to give to her caregivers and loved ones.

When Denise left the Hospital for Sick Children [SickKids] for the last time without Meagan, she knew something had to be done to help others like her daughter. Her mission that would become Meagan’s Walk began.

Denise’s vision transitioned into a spirited community walk to create hope and awareness about the illness that is the leading cause of cancer-related death in young people aged 20 and under.

“In 2002, we started the walk with our friends and family and ended at the Hospital for Sick Children where we held hands in a human hug,” Denise said. “We raised $80,000 that year. In the 12 years since, the momentum has continued.”

To date, Meagan’s Walk has raised more than $3.1 million, directly helping the doctors who are making global advancements in brain tumour research and patient care.

Denise said all of the funds raised go directly to the Arthur and Sonja Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre at the Hospital for Sick Children.

“Everyone who works for Meagan’s Walk is a volunteer. At least 58 people at last count. And that includes me – I have never taken a salary as I truly believe in giving everything for research and breakthroughs,” she said.

On May 10, Mother’s Day weekend, thousands of people will once again walk the five kilometres, from Fort York to SickKids. 2014 is the Year of the Hug, celebrating the wish of young Meagan to be able to hug the world and provide hope to those who are ill.

When the walk ends, participants will create a circle around the hospital, symbolizing Meagan’s wish to hug not only the families with sick children, but the entire community.

“The hug has always been a very important part of Meagan’s Walk. Those children who are inside look down at everyone and can see that we are sending love and hope to them. It is a very emotional moment. We may not be able to hug every person in every province and in every country, but in many ways we are embracing the world,” Denise said.

Meagan’s Walk is part of Healthy and Happy, a SickKids campaign in May to educate and raise awareness in the community about children’s health issues. The theme of this year’s campaign is healthy active living.

To learn more about Meagan’s Walk, visit meaganswalk.com.