Daniela Dwyer Foundation Named Finalist in the 2026 Spirit of Canberra Awards
The Daniela Dwyer Foundation (DDF) is proud to announce that it has been named a finalist in the 2026 Spirit of Canberra Awards, presented by Lifeline Canberra, recognising the Foundation's commitment to driving meaningful change in brain cancer research, diagnosis and treatment.
October 2026 — Canberra, ACT
The Foundation has been selected as a finalist for the Spirit of Impact Award, while DDF Directors Kevin and Luisa Dwyer have also been recognised as finalists for the Spirit of Resilience Award.
The Spirit of Canberra Awards celebrate the remarkable individuals and organisations whose dedication, compassion and determination are making a lasting difference across the Canberra community.
For the Daniela Dwyer Foundation, this recognition is particularly meaningful.
Established in 2022 in loving memory of Daniela Dwyer, the Foundation was born from an unimaginable loss and a determination to ensure that other families facing a brain cancer diagnosis have access to better options and greater hope.
Since its establishment, DDF has worked tirelessly to support innovative research and accelerate advancements in brain cancer care, with a particular focus on improving early diagnosis, advancing personalised treatments and helping patients access emerging technologies.
Spirit of Resilience Award
The nomination of Kevin and Luisa Dwyer for the Spirit of Resilience Award is especially poignant. Following the loss of their daughter Daniela to glioblastoma at just 33 years of age, they have channelled their grief into a lasting commitment to helping others, playing an instrumental role in establishing and growing the Foundation.
Their resilience, determination and unwavering dedication to Daniela's legacy continue to inspire the Foundation's work.
“We are incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this recognition from Lifeline Canberra. To be acknowledged alongside so many outstanding individuals and organisations making a difference in the community is a privilege and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through compassion, collaboration and a shared determination to create change.”
— Daniela Dwyer Foundation
Show Your Support – Vote for DDF!
In addition to the individual award categories, the Spirit of Canberra Awards include a People's Choice Award, determined by public vote from the existing pool of nominees.
We would love our community of supporters, friends and families to get behind the Foundation and help us celebrate Daniela's legacy by casting a vote.
Every vote is an opportunity to recognise the work being done to improve outcomes for people affected by brain cancer, and the extraordinary dedication of those helping to make it possible.
Awards Luncheon
The winners of the 2026 Spirit of Canberra Awards will be announced at a formal awards luncheon on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
The Daniela Dwyer Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Lifeline Canberra for this recognition and congratulates all fellow finalists.
Whatever the outcome, these nominations are a meaningful acknowledgement of Daniela's enduring legacy and the collective efforts of everyone who continues to support our mission.
Together, we are driving breakthroughs, changing lives and creating hope for families affected by brain cancer.
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