Friends and family rallied together to support Serina and her horse companion, JR, as they completed a virtual horse ride from Windsor, Ontario to Kingston, Ontario in an effort to support Dr. D.J. Cook's ongoing research at Queen's University. The horse ride was approximately 618 km and Serina and JR, along with some friends, completed their journey at Ironstone Stables in Tecumseh, Ontario on October 21, 2021.

Serina's journey with brain cancer ended on November 15, 2022. To read more about her life, please visit her obituary.

Serina Timperio's story:

During my fourth year of Arts studies at Queen’s University, I was diagnosed with an astrocytoma brain tumour. I had surgery to remove as much of it as possible on October 31, 2016. During my recovery, and as I completed my studies, I had the good fortune to befriend artists Leslie Galbraith and Rob Baker. Upon hearing my brain tumour story, they introduced me to Dr. DJ Cook, a neurosurgeon at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and associate professor at Queen’s University. 

On February 14, 2020, Dr. Cook performed a second surgery on my brain tumour, further reducing its size. I suffer fewer and less severe seizures today, because of Dr. Cook.

Prior to my diagnosis, I enjoyed horseback riding. I didn't think I'd be able to ride again. Despite my unlucky health circumstances, I’ve been fortunate to meet dedicated health care practitioners and make new, loyal friends on my brain cancer journey. I wish to pay forward the good I’ve received, by raising funds for research into minimally invasive brain surgery procedures and therapies for patients recovering from brain injuries, like mine.

As I continue on my journey, please show your support by making a charitable donation to Dr. Cook’s research program via Queen's University for research into innovative brain surgery procedures and brain injury therapies.

Thank you in advance for your contribution. I'm horseback riding to give brain cancer patients like me a better opportunity to live better and longer!

When completing the online giving form, please fill out the commemorative portion entitled ‘Dedicate my gift’ and indicate if you would like Serina's family to be notified of your donation.