Love for Laurie Brooks

We are reaching out to ask for assistance to help the Brooks family. No one is ever prepared to receive the news that you have cancer. Laurie was diagnosed with colon cancer in February 2018.  As all families that face the “C” word, this has been a devastating and life changing experience. She went through radiation, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgery in August 2018.

Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, Laurie worked for TD bank as an Assistant Manager and then decided to change careers. She started on the path to become a nurse. She pursued her goal and applied to nursing school in August 2017. She did not make it into the program at this time, but was confident she would make it in the following September. She was not able to apply again, as the diagnosis of cancer changed everything.

After almost a year of gruelling treatments and 7 months of trying to get back to normal, Laurie found out in August 2019 that the cancer had returned. More chemotherapy and another surgery in May 2020 followed in hopes that this would help her win the battle.

When Laurie found out that her cancer had returned for the second time, she experienced a lot of anxiety, grief, and fear at the prospect of dying. A close friend suggested she try a psilocybin (mushroom) trip as part of therapy. He had been studying how psilocybin had helped many people deal with all the same emotions that she was going through. Laurie eventually took this advice and it profoundly changed her life. In fact it made such a difference in her life that she petitioned the Government of Canada to gain approval to use psilocybin legally, as part of therapy (at this time, it is illegal). In August 2020, Laurie became one of the first 4 Canadians to gain approval to use psilocybin legally, as part of therapy. This was ground- breaking in Canada! Since then, many other terminally ill cancer patients have been able to access the same treatment legally. Laurie and her family’s journey is now in the process of becoming a documentary. Laurie hopes this will help many more people in their journey as they face cancer. As Laurie reflects, and in her own humorous way, she laughs and says, “Who knew that cancer would have an upside? Me and my family being part of a documentary? When would that ever happen!”

Here are a few links, if you are interested in reading more of Laurie’s experience with psilocybin:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/magic-mushrooms-therapy-1.5675637

https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/b-c-woman-among-four-granted-permission-to-legally-consume-magic-mushrooms

In October 2020, after a routine CT scan, more devastating news, the cancer had returned for the 3rd time. This time was just 5 short months after going through her 2nd major surgery. Needless to say, this has been a really exhausting and financially difficult time for Laurie, Glenn and their 4 kids – Maxx, Bailey, Cole, and Noa. After more tests and scans over the last few months, they are waiting to hear from the doctors regarding a treatment plan. It is feeling like options are becoming limited as time keeps passing. In the days ahead there are going to be many difficult decisions to make.


Laurie has not been able to work for more than a year and most of their savings have been depleted in the battle for her life. Glenn, also, throughout the past almost 3 years has taken time off, and has lost income as well. Glenn is self-employed and with the added difficulties that have come with Covid-19, he will need to take time off to help care for Laurie.

Even though the last 3 years have not been easy (an understatement), both Glenn and Laurie would say there have been many positive things that have happened in this journey. They have grown closer as a couple, and as a family. They also have a great group of friends supporting them. They have been able to face the challenges that have come at them with humour and grace and have learned the value of family and friends. They have been learning to not sweat the small stuff and enjoy the life that they have as best they can, one day at a time!

Your donations will help with Laurie’s medical expenses and costs associated with her care and treatment. Glenn and Laurie are hoping there might be a clinical trial that she would fit into, which could require travel and other expenses.

Your donation is greatly appreciated and the family is extremely grateful for your kindness. You are making a difference in their lives. This will give them time to focus on enjoying time together.