3rd annual Nalie’s Legacy Walk honours influential Montrealer
Posted November 6, 2026 7:56 am.
Last Updated November 7, 2026 4:07 pm.
Community members, friends and family gathered in Saint-Henri for the third annual Nalie’s Legacy Walk, celebrating the life of Montreal cancer advocate Natalie Agustin, widely known as Nalie, on what would have been her 38th birthday.
The annual event raises funds for the Nalie Foundation, which supports organizations working to help young women affected by breast cancer.
“Natalie was the shining light, you know, that one candle can bring light in the darkness,” said Jess Agustin, Natalie’s father and Founder of the Nalie Foundation. “And this year we are doing it from Beaver’s Lake in Montreal to the lookout point on the mountain of Montreal. It was one of the walks that she actually did or she brought us to during COVID on this exact day November 7th on her 32nd birthday.”
This year’s Legacy Walk was centered on the theme of hope, a message that Agustin shared throughout her work as an author, speaker and cancer advocate.
“It’s such an appropriate theme when you look at the world that you feel powerless and you feel that we are in a dark chapter of the world in this wounded world, so hope is very important,” said Jess.
Starting at the Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors on Mount Royal, participants came together for a walk to honour the memory of author, speaker and wellness advocate Nalie Agustin, whose story continues to inspire so many.
Also taking part were members of Pink in the City, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, supporting breast cancer patients, and funding care initiatives in partnership with the MUHC.
“She brought awareness to the cause and she taught us all about self-examination and making sure that we are feeling it on the first and getting to know our own body so that we can see if there’s anything changing,” said Evie Vourtzoumis
Member of the Pink in the City.
“They are really the only organization that works with the Cedar Cancer Center where Natalie received her treatment and therapy but also she was the ambassador for the Cedar Center,” said Jess.
Agustin’s journey with cancer resonated with countless people, both those who knew her personally and those who connected with her through social media. By sharing the realities of her experience, she created a supportive community and encouraged others to find strength through difficult times.
“She really just brought so much hope to everybody and it’s just been really nice to be a part of this event today,” said Vourtzoumis. “Get to meet her family and friends and celebrate her birthday.”
Diagnosed with breast cancer at just 23 years old in 2013, Agustin began documenting her experience and sharing it with the public. Following a recurrence in 2017, she continued to speak openly about her health and treatment, using platforms such as YouTube to connect with and inspire others facing similar challenges.
Today, her family is continuing that work through the annual walk, which aims to bring greater awareness to breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer while supporting young women affected by the disease.
“Walking was something that she did to help her during her cancer journey,” said Justin Agustin, Natalie Agustin’s brother. “Natalie Agustin’s brother. “It empowered her. It also brought her closer to nature, to God, and it was a daily ritual that she did.”
To learn more about the fundraiser, the Nalie Foundation and Agustin’s ongoing mission to spread love, hope and awareness, visit the foundation’s website.
