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Team Brother Bear forges traditions in Austin's memory by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff 23 | Friday, December 13, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com It began as a fundraising group, but five years later, Team Brother Bear (TBB) is a non-profit organization with an entire community behind it, says co-founder Addison Brasil. Addison was 19 when his younger brother, Austin, died in September 2008 after a long battle with an inoperable brain tumour. While attending St. Ignatius of Loyola Secondary School, Austin decided to organize a talent show fundraiser for others affected by brain tumours. The effort raised $5,000 for the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children's (SickKids) b.r.a.i.n.child fund, that supports research and people affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. "I told him it was a pretty big deal what he had done and he simply replied, `No. It needed to happen,'" said Addison. Austin Brasil That fundraiser inspired the creation of TBB, which Addison cofounded with family friend Melissa Espina. "Austin became palliative shortly after that. So, I decided to rally the troops and we decided we would bring his vision to life," he said. "Just seeing firsthand what the journey is like, I realized how much support a family needs. I wanted to make sure it (TBB) focused on that aspect of fundraising -- supporting families directly." Since its inception, TBB has raised more than $200,000 for the b.r.a.i.n.child fund through its annual galas -- the sixth held in October at Le Dome Banquet Hall. The red carpet-themed gala attracted a sell-out crowd of 500 and raised more than $35,000. "It really comes down to three words: `Because we can,'" Addison said. see TBB on p.25 AVIGAYIL CASHED IN $1,384 FROM HER CLOSET! #EXCITED www.TrendTrunk.com Cash in your closet today at TrendTrunk.com