When Bre Kaglar’s youngest daughter was diagnosed with a rare eye cancer just after her first birthday, life as she knew it changed in an instant.
“Anytime I think I can’t do something … I can because she has gone through some really, really horrible times,” Kaglar says of her now-two-year-old daughter.
“Her little face when she smiles fills my bucket like a, ‘Thanks, mom, for sticking through the hardest times with me.’”
Her nominator, Jenna Kosior, describes Kaglar as, “one of the most selfless, kind-hearted and courageous women I have ever met. Today, Bre is walking through every parent’s worst nightmare … Her strength is not loud — it’s the kind of strength that’s shown in devotion, endurance and the love she pours into her family, even when her own heart is breaking.”
Since her daughter’s bilateral retinoblastoma diagnosis, Kaglar has navigated emergency appointments in Calgary and Toronto, complex treatment plans, and a relentless schedule of chemotherapy, eye procedures and follow-up trips, all while caring for her two older daughters and supporting her husband.
“The community … Wow! I have been in Airdrie a long time. Even though it is growing rapidly … everyone bands together to support us,” she says.
Through every challenge, Kaglar’s resilience, grace and unshakable commitment to her children embody courage in its purest form, inspiring not only her family, but an entire community.
The AAWAs are celebrating their Sweet 16 in 2026. What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Don’t worry about what others think, love yourself and be kind to yourself. Be kind to others, help when you can. Be a good role model because there is always someone you are impacting. Learn from your mistakes, build good foundations with the people who are important to you. Have fun, laugh, enjoy every day.