It's a tight music community in Canada, which is something that has been evidenced once again with a charitable act by Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Rush. The band has just announced a major donation that is being made to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook.

Downie is the frontman for iconic Canadian alt-rock band the Tragically Hip, who revealed back in May that he has been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. The singer and his band embarked on a major tour through Canada this summer with the tour finale webcast to an estimated 11.7 million people in August.

Earlier this month, Canadian Music Week announced that the members of Rush would receive the 2017 Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award next April. As part of the honor, there is a $40,000 CDN made to the charity of the recipient's choice and Rush have decided to direct the funds to Downie's fund for Brain Cancer Research.

"We are pleased to direct this generous donation from the Allan Slaight Humanitarian award to the Gord Downie Fund For Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook," said the band in a statement. "Many Canadian families have been affected either directly or indirectly by this terrible disease. Through Gord's courageous efforts this cause is now getting the attention it desperately deserves. As a fellow musician and friend it's our turn to help support his efforts to fight Brain Cancer now."

"We are thrilled to learn Rush has made such a donation," commented Dr. James Perry, head of neurology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. "The Gord Downie Fund For Brain Cancer Research will help give us the tools we need to find ways to treat the untreatable. Right now we are investigating new drugs, surgical techniques and genetic therapies. We are using ultrasound to reach tumours that couldn't be reached before. The funds so generously donated by Rush will support us as we continue our pioneering work, to the benefit of brain cancer patients not only across Canada but around the world."

The Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award presentation will take place April 20 at the Grand Ballroom at the Toronto Sheraton Centre Hotel. The Gord Downie Fund is helping to aid investigations into new drugs, surgical techniques and genetic therapies that will benefit patients not only at Sunnybrook, but worldwide as well. To join Rush in making a personal donation to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook, head to this location.

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