PROUD TO SUPPORT LUCAS MARTIN EASTERN RECIPIENT 3RD QUARTER 2023

Brokers Who Care • September 25, 2023

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Lucas Martin, our Eastern Recipient of the 3rd Quarter 2023 vote.


Thank you to Rocco Mongelli for bringing this Cause to our attention.


The Nomination Story:

The day our world was flipped upside down was March 1 2023 our 9 year old baby boy Lucas was diagnosed with leukaemia (ALL). In the months leading up to that day we had many hospital visits trying to figure out what was going on with our son as he was losing weight, looking pale and just wasn’t himself. After many blood tests and visits with specialists we were told he had a virus that had attacked his immune system and that it would run its course, until one day his feet were hurting so bad that another hospital visit had finally revealed Lucas has leukaemia.
From that day forward our lives will never be the same, we spent the first 2 weeks at Sick Kids Hospital and Lucas had a port inserted on the right side of his chest where he received needles for bloodwork and chemo. We were told he wouldn’t be able to attend school to finish grade 3 or play the game that he loves, ice hockey. Lucas’s passion in life is hockey he plays rep hockey and was team captain for his Caledon AA team and to have that taken away from him was devastating.

Lucas’ diagnosis requires him to receive chemotherapy on a weekly basis along with multiple blood tests and transfusions. Treatment is scheduled to to end in 2026 and as you can imagine this has put stress on our family mentally, emotionally and financially. My wife Valerie was able to continue working from home while caring for Lucas and our oldest son Matthew while I was able to continue managing my small construction business but after months of continuous hospital visits for treatments it had taken its toll.
To add more to the mix, with her daily focus and mind being always on our little one, Valerie was diagnosed with anxiety and mild depression and decided it was best to take a leave from work to focus on caring for Lucas and applied for short term disability leave only to be denied based on her lack of medical history to support her claim. So we made Lucas the priority like any parent would, however, being a one income family in todays world is not an ideal situation.

Lucas is a warrior and continues to fight this disease with everything he’s got. He will have to endure 3 years of treatment (chemotherapy)and countless blood tests, transfusions and lumbar punctures. The concern for infection from a compromised immune system is always a threat to his health and as such we have to be weary of visitors to our home. A simple fever can mean 24 to 48 hour hospitalization with antibiotic treatment.

Lucas has good days and mostly bad days as chemotherapy leaves him feeling ill and depleted and spends most days after treatment lying in his bed. The morning Lucas lost his hair was a traumatic experience for him even though we talked about it happening he wasn’t fully aware or prepared for the clumps of hair left behind on his pillow.

We have come to realize that taking this journey with Lucas is impossible without the help of faith, family, friends and community. We are truly grateful for any help that we receive.

By Brokers Who Care June 24, 2025
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Brodziak Family our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Crystal Mamchur for bringing this Cause to our attention. On August 13, 2024, Ryan Brodziak’s life changed forever. While walking with his 11-month-old son, Ozzy, and their puppy, Gouda, an out-of-control vehicle struck them on the sidewalk. Ryan suffered a severe spinal cord injury, resulting in quadriplegia, while Ozzy sustained a skull fracture and a broken arm. Six months later, Ryan remains in intensive rehabilitation after months in the ICU and multiple surgeries. His journey is uncertain, requiring daily effort to regain strength and adjust to life with a spinal cord injury. His wife, Bailey, has been his unwavering support, balancing new motherhood with being Ryan’s primary caregiver and advocate. She has put her career on hold, navigating hospital stays, rehab programs, and financial stress—all while ensuring a loving home for Ozzy. Ryan has always given back. As the former owner of The Local Omnivore, Gravy, and Gorilla restaurants, he built community spaces and organized charity events, including an annual Bikeathon to support Edmonton’s unhoused population. He has always stepped up for others—now, he and his family need that same support. A Brokers Who Care grant would be life-changing, helping with critical home modifications, rehabilitation costs, and mobility equipment. Just as importantly, it would provide financial relief for Bailey, allowing her to focus on their family’s well-being without overwhelming financial strain. This isn’t just about helping one person—it’s about lifting a family who has given so much to their community.
By Brokers Who Care June 24, 2025
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $3,000 to Andrea Gibson our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Katy Mackenzie for bringing this Cause to our attention. Andrea Gibson is a Self-Compassion and Mindset Coach, Dance Educator, and Mental Health Advocate who has dedicated her life to helping others thrive. Recently, Andrea received a life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer, requiring her to undergo chemotherapy, an upcoming double mastectomy, and radiotherapy continuing into 2025. As a self-employed professional and mother of two, Andrea will be unable to work during her treatment, creating significant financial strain for her family. Andrea’s work has empowered countless women to reconnect with themselves and live intentionally. As a leader in the dance community with over 30 years of experience, she has inspired young dancers to embrace their inner champion and develop mindset tools to navigate challenges both on and off the stage. Andrea’s authenticity, vulnerability, and humour have been instrumental in creating meaningful change in her community. Unfortunately, her cancer diagnosis temporarily halts this incredible work. Without the ability to earn income during her treatment, Andrea faces a challenging road ahead. A $10,000 donation would help alleviate the financial burden on her family, providing critical support during this difficult time. It would allow Andrea to focus on her recovery without the added stress of lost income, ensuring she can heal and ultimately return to her mission of empowering others with the same passion and dedication she’s always shown. Andrea has spent her life giving 1,000% of herself to her clients (including me!), her students, and her community. Now, she needs support to navigate this challenging chapter in her life. Your help will make an immediate and profound impact, providing the relief she needs as she faces cancer with courage and grace.
By Brokers Who Care June 24, 2025
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Daniel Natareno our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Anthony contento and Michelle Campbell for bringing this Cause to our attention. Daniel Natareno, a well-known and deeply respected figure in the mortgage industry, is currently in the fight of his life against cancer. For the past 1.5 years, he’s faced this battle with strength and grace while receiving treatment abroad—far from work, but never far from hope. The financial toll is growing, and his family is struggling to keep up with mounting medical bills. A devoted father to Daniel Jr. (21), Damellys (20), and Allesandra (5), Daniel’s heart of gold, warm smile, and unwavering love for his children continue to shine through even the darkest days.  Your support can help ease the financial burden and bring healing, hope, and stability to a man who has given so much to others. Let’s stand with Daniel and his family in this critical time.
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