PROUD TO SUPPORT AILEEN GUITTAP RAMOS & FAMILY, WESTERN RECIPIENT 1ST QUARTER 2022

Brokers Who Care • March 9, 2022

Brokers Who Care are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $3,000 to Aileen Guittap Ramos & Family, a second Western Recipient (of anonymous donations) of the 1st Quarter 2022.


Thank you to Jenn Schill for bringing this Cause to our attention.


Nomination Story

Aileen is a young 35 year old woman in our community with 2 daughters, Belle age 7 and Hannah age 4. She is in the process of leaving a very abusive relationship. She had not been feeling well for a while - finally her brother-in-law took her to emergency and she was admitted immediately. This past week she has been diagnosed with cancer that is in her blood, spine, lungs and breast. She will be having more tests this week and then her medical team will outline a treatment plan.
 
Her wonderful sister and brother-in-law are taking care of the girls while their mom is in the hospital, but it isn't easy as they have a 7 year old non-verbal special needs son of their own and money is very tight, so taking any time off work is not an option. Her sister works the 5am-2pm shift at a grocery store and her husband the 4pm - 3am shift at the same grocery store so they can care for their son and now their nieces on top of navigating the medical needs of Aileen. The 6 of them are living in a 2 bedroom apartment.
 
There is so much more to this story and it is utterly heartbreaking.
 
Elevator Pitch:
Broker Community, I am in tears writing this pitch as this family needs this so much. Aileen and the girls were dumped off by their abuser with literally what they were wearing. They were hesitant at first to even allow me to nominate them as they didn't want to be taking away from anyone else in need. This is just the kind of people they are. This is a very long road ahead for them.  Thank you for your consideration.

May 9, 2026
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Chico - Battling Cancer our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Rosa Bovino for bringing this Cause to our attention. Chico is a loving husband and father who has always given back to his community, family, and friends. His life changed unexpectedly when he suffered a sudden seizure and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His family has stood by his side through every challenge, and he has been unable to work due to his condition. Despite exhausting all conventional treatment options, there is still hope. Optune Gio is a device that could slow the tumor's growth and give Chico more precious time with his loved ones. However, the cost of this life-extending treatment is overwhelming, and his family urgently needs support to afford it. Chico's journey has been incredibly tough, but the community has rallied around him. Your support, no matter the size, will go directly toward his care, easing the financial burden on his family during this difficult time. Together, we can help Chico access the treatment he needs and allow him to focus on what matters most—spending time with the people he loves. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this critical time.
By Brokers Who Care May 9, 2026
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Lawson-Needs Our Help our Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Emily Miszk for bringing this Cause to our attention. About a year ago, what appeared to be a routine illness became a life-threatening crisis. Lawson developed massive blood clots, and during a procedure, his heart stopped. He went without oxygen for up to 45 minutes and required CPR and ECMO life support to survive. Against incredible odds, Lawson is still here. He is now off life support, but he sustained significant brain injury. His recovery requires ongoing, intensive therapy, specialized care, and long-term medical support. Before this, Lawson was an active, sports-loving kid, often found at the rink supporting his older brother Cooper—a team captain who continues to show remarkable strength and leadership through it all. Today, Lawson’s family is navigating time away from work, ongoing medical travel, and the emotional and financial weight of rebuilding their lives around his recovery. Your vote is more than financial support—it’s access to therapy, care, and the opportunity for Lawson to reach his fullest potential. Lawson has already shown incredible strength. With our support, his story can continue to be one of resilience, progress, and hope.
By Brokers Who Care February 16, 2026
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Let's Cure Lucas - Fighting an Ultra-Rare Genetic Disease our Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Rocco Mongelli for bringing this Cause to our attention. Lucas Azevedo is a four-year-old with an ultra-rare gene variant affecting the RBM28 gene—a condition so rare that only one other child in the world has been discovered with it. This disease is currently unnamed and has no cure, but his smile and spirit inspire everyone around him.  Lucas lives with significant physical challenges. His ultra-rare gene variant affects all four of his limbs, his balance and coordination, his speech, his oral strength, and much more. His muscles are both tight and fragile, making even the simplest movements a challenge against gravity itself. Nothing happens automatically for him—every movement requires intention, strength, and support. The RBM28 variant affects his cerebellum, the area of the brain vital for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, posture, and motor learning. While there is currently no cure, gene therapy has been developed and has proven successful in stopping progression for many ultra-rare diseases. Lucas's family is hopeful about ongoing research and potential breakthroughs. In the meantime, Lucas works incredibly hard six days a week undergoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and hydrotherapy to build strength and independence. His goal is to walk independently, run, jump, and ride a bike. Your support directly funds the therapies and care that allow Lucas to keep fighting and growing stronger. Together, we can help this remarkable little boy achieve his dreams and contribute to the research that may one day lead to a cure. Thank you for standing with Lucas and his family in this urgent fight.
Show More