We are deeply saddened to share that Emily McIntosh, PhD, passed away on February 11, 2026. A brilliant biomechanist, Brain Cancer Canada Engagement Ambassador, devoted patient advocate, and extraordinary brain cancer survivor and thriver, Emily lived a life defined by courage, compassion, and purpose. Beyond her professional and advocacy work, Emily was a devoted daughter, sister and aunt, who cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. She was also a proud and loving dog mom to her beloved Monty, who brought her constant companionship and joy. Emily’s tenacity, humility, kindness, sense of humour, expertise, commitment, and sheer brilliance were gifts to all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her. She faced her own journey with brain cancer with remarkable strength and grace, transforming her experience into advocacy and support for others. She tirelessly championed the needs of several brain tumour patients, offering guidance, empathy, and encouragement. Since 2021, she served as an organizing committee member of @BTSMchat (Brain Tumor Social Media) and collaborated with leading organizations including the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), and Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO). Through her research career, Emily authored or co-authored 10 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to 30 conference proceedings, and delivered 19 invited talks, notably serving as invited faculty and keynote speaker at the 2023 biannual Canadian Society for Neuro-Oncology meeting in Ottawa. In recognition of her profound impact, Emily was named the second recipient of the Douglas MacRae Award of Courage and was honoured at the 2024 Gala for Brain Cancer Research. She embodied the very qualities the award celebrates: humility and kindness, a commitment to improving human welfare, persistence and grit in the face of adversity, and fierce hope and resilience. Brain Cancer Canada mourns the loss of Emily deeply and extends our deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones. Emily McIntosh was the pick of the orchard. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. #PainIntoPurpose #BTSMchat
