| Health, Well-Being and Medical Research |
Henderson Hospital, Breast Cancer Unit As an alumnus of BWI, I was delighted to be invited to this year's holiday party, and really touched to be included in your giving campaign. Most importantly, I was reminded of a very important lesson in giving to others — that often the joy of doing good is greater than the deed itself. Upon seeing the cheque, I immediately knew where to forward the money, and decided to match the firm's generosity from my own pocket. I have much to be thankful for and wanted to do my bit. Three years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. To me, living in New York at the time, the news was devastating. Today, she is healthy and strong, and we are a very grateful family. The care she received at the cancer unit of Henderson Hospital in Hamilton, for which we will be forever thankful and for me, every extra day that my mother is alive is a cherished gift. When I contacted the hospital about dropping off the cheque, Judy, the head nurse (who has since become friends with my mother) was enthusiastic and invited me over to the ward. When my mother started her treatments, I bought her a Discman, so that she could listen to soothing music to distract her from the sessions and make them more bearable. So, instead of cash, I bought a couple of CD players, extra headphones and an Enya CD. Sadly, Judy told me as I dropped off the cheque and my items, that hers is a growth area. They have just taken on 25 new patients, and are building an addition to the wing. I am not ashamed to admit that when I left the hospital for the parking lot, I started to cry, as I briefly relived the whole experience my family—and especially my mother—lived through. If your gift and mine can in some way help even one person and make their ordeal more livable, then that is a blessing. The joy of giving these gifts to a cause that is so personal and important to me and that is so deserving was wonderful. Thank you for that. - David Parsons
Canadian Cancer Society I found your “Christmas Story” gave me a warm feeling inside about the true Spirit of Christmas. As we approach the holidays, it is thoughts, memories and stories like these that make the Christmas spirit so special. I have given the BWI donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, one of the charities that I contribute to most. The reasons for my choice are simple. Cancer has been and will continue to be a disease challenging all of us. We all must know someone who has fallen to cancer or someone who has fought back to beat cancer. For myself, both my parents and a former girlfriend have fought and beaten cancer. I have friends who also fought cancer but who were not as fortunate. I believe that a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society is a worthy decision. As an individual who has the pleasure of meeting and working with many Biotech companies working towards therapeutics for cancer, I can say confidently that we will see much progress in the fight against cancer in the future. - Graham Saunders Meagan’s Walk Little Meagan was 4 years old when she was diagnosed with brain stem glioma, a cancerous brain tumour. Two weeks after her 5th birthday she passed away. The community where she lived (and where some very dear friends of mine live) has rallied to support her family in their mission to raise hope, awareness and research funding for pediatric brain tumours through a first of its kind event – Meagan’s Walk, Creating a Circle of Hope.
The vision is to end the 5km non-competitive walk with a circle of hands around the Hospital for Sick Children – sharing one big hug with all the children and the families suffering within, as a tribute to Meagan and the legacy of hope she has created. All proceeds to benefit B.R.A.I.N child and the pediatric brain tumour research program at the Hospital for Sick Children. - Nora Turkevics
Toronto People With Aids Foundation Last summer I again took on the challenge of riding my bike from Toronto to Montreal in support of the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (TPWAF). The six-day, 660km bike ride continues to be a physically and mentally challenging experience for me. It was also one of the most important contributions I have made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Each rider is required to raise a minimum of $2,000. All costs associated with the rally are covered by corporate donations and sponsorships enabling 100% of the funds raised to make it to the end recipients (financially and physically disadvantaged men and women living with HIV/AIDS as well as their families.) The Bike Rally, which raised $300,000 last year has had an enormous impact on the TPWAF. Before the Bike Rally existed, TPWAF’s largest fundraiser was a comedy festival which raised $15,000. As a result, the Foundation has been able to improve its food bank, raise its financial assistance program by over 60% and provide additional support services previously unavailable. The Foundation is also launching the first-ever meal delivery program for people living with HIV/AIDS, nutrition being a key problem for TPWAF clients. Using the Brendan Wood International donation as a seed, I have started a fund which helps those riders living with HIV/AIDS who can’t quite raise $2,000 get over the $2,000 hurdle enabling them to ride and contribute. - Stewart Borden The Kidney Foundation of Canada The Kidney Foundation of Canada is a national, volunteer organization dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of people living with kidney disease. My interest relates to the fact that my nephew suffers from nephritic syndrome. Unfortunately, I know a number of other children who also suffer from this somewhat rare disease. The Foundation funds research and related clinical education; provides services for the special needs of individuals living with kidney disease; advocates for access to high quality health care; and, actively promotes awareness of and commitment to organ donation. - Irwin Greenblatt
Halton Recovery House “We believe that every man is a good man, valued for his intrinsic There’s a home in North Oakville, which most residents of our community may not be aware exists. And why should they – it’s a residential home, started in 1975, that helps those with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. And while many believe that this is not a disease that will affect them, family members at all levels of affluence and stature may not be immune to the threat of substance abuse. My story starts with Terry Nippard, the Executive Director of Halton Recovery House. Terry is a compassionate human, who cares deeply about the problems of his residents. His clients are all male, ranging in age between 25 and 60, who suddenly somewhere along their paths to success, experienced a dramatic change, which led them to an addiction. Lawyers, ministers, corporate executives, teachers, and other professionals have been guests at this home, and with their willingness to try to change, Terry has enabled these men and their families to reunite, and develop loving interactions and responsible behavior not only amongst their own family members, but within their community. The rebuilding process isn’t easy, as Terry will attest. Each client must be willing to accept a structured and intense program, and each must be physically and mentally able to participate in all aspects of the recovery program. Virtually all of Terry’s clients “graduate” as success stories after this 90-day program. Each has established a new model of living, which moves them from personal isolation to healthy relationships and purposeful roles in the community. Twelve years ago a gentleman was virtually dumped from the family car onto the parking lot at Halton Recovery house – a relationship had developed that was so strained by the hardship of substance abuse, that mother and children could no longer cope, and could see no other way out to dealing with this than to pass their “problem” on. That gentleman went on to recover, but he’s still at Halton Recovery House – his name is Terry Nippard. As Chair of the Board of United Way of Oakville, I have had the pleasure of speaking to corporate executives throughout our community during our Annual Campaign. Terry has very kindly joined me at these presentations, and has made our community more aware of problems that can exist next door, down the street, or in our own homes. I am indebted to Terry for taking the time to explain more about Halton Recovery House, and his sincere devotion to helping those who have been afflicted with substance abuse problems. The Brendan Wood gift, plus our matching donation will be given to Halton Recovery House. Thank you for allowing us to be part of this most worthwhile way of celebrating Christmas. - Don Pangman Canadian Cancer Society We were honoured to receive another invitation to the annual BWI Christmas event. This year we made two separate donations. As in previous years, the first donation went to the Canadian Cancer Society, a worthy organization with the amazing aim to the complete eradication of cancer, and the improvement of the quality of life of those who suffer from cancer. Like many other Canadians, cancer has touched our lives through the illness of family members and friends. Someday a cure may be found, and we felt that one of the best ways to contribute was to this organization which works largely on a volunteer basis.
Our second choice was… Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides Working under the theory of multiplying the money, we donated an equal amount to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. While most people are familiar with the dogs that assist the visually impaired, dogs are now being trained to help Canadians with physical disabilities and hearing impairments. The physically disabled are now capable of living at home with specially trained dog that operate light switches, open doors and cupboards, and retrieve items. For the hearing impaired, the dogs are able to respond to noises and disturbances that the handler cannot hear, such as crying children, doorbells, and telephones. The dogs are also trained to respond to hand signals and limited sign language. These dogs allow their handlers to move in society with dignity, freedom, and confidence, and we were very pleased to be able to assist this foundation to continue their good work. - Ken Moore and Allison Godfrey
Alzheimer's Association This year I decided to make a donation to a combination of two causes that have significantly impacted my life in recent years. The first is The Alzheimer's Association, which has affected my family. The Alzheimer’s Association, a national network of chapters, is the largest national voluntary health organization committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and helping those affected by the disease. Having awarded more than $100 million in research grants, the Association ranks as the top private funder of research into the causes, treatments, prevention, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. The Association also provides education and support for people diagnosed with the condition, their families, and caregivers.
My second choice … The Oo Family My second donation was to a family in Myanmar that I met years ago. The Oo family invited a friend and I into their home to spend Christmas. On an ongoing basis I try to help this family by funding medical care and education. The Oo family has four children who are all in elementary school and I hope to ensure that each of these children receive’s a high school education. - Trevor L. Torzsas
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