PROUD TO SUPPORT LUCY VAN KENDALL & FAMILY – RECIPIENT FOR 3RD QUARTER 2020

100Brokers • September 19, 2020

100Brokers Members voted and we are very pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Lucy Van Kendall & Family Recipient of the 3rd Quarter vote of 2020.

 “Thank you so much for thinking of us and submitting our family for the 100 Brokers Who Care grant. It was a wave of positivity and support that we needed. It’s been incredibly challenging fighting through this and knowing that a group of complete strangers had a group discussion & selected us means so much. Please pass our love to the rest of the team!”

Lucy was born in April 2020 and diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) 5 weeks later. SMA is a genetic disease affecting the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and voluntary muscle movement (skeletal muscle). Most of the nerve cells that control muscles are located in the spinal cord, which accounts for the word spinal in the name of the disease. Her life expectancy is 2 years without treatment.

Lucy is a good candidate to receive a groundbreaking gene therapy treatment for SMA called Zolgensma which could save Lucy’s life. This will NOT cure her, but it will hopefully replace 40-60% of the missing gene and allow Lucy to live, but there will be many costs for them for the long term, from wheelchairs, to treatments, nurses, care, help, and more. I am hoping that this $10k can help them with all the extra costs.

Thank you to Laura MacCormack for bringing this Cause to our attention.

Nomination Story
 The “Van Kendalls” – Laura, Scott, Sullivan (2017) & Lucy (2020). They live in Vancouver and they are my clients.

In 2015, they got married and started their family in 2017. Lucy was born in April 2020 and they found out 5 weeks after she was born that Lucy has SMA. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease affecting the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and voluntary muscle movement (skeletal muscle). Most of the nerve cells that control muscles are located in the spinal cord, which accounts for the word spinal in the name of the disease. Her life expectancy is 2 years without treatment.

Lucy is a good candidate to receive a groundbreaking gene therapy treatment for SMA called Zolgensma. Zolgensma could save Lucy’s life. They started a fundraiser and Lucy is getting the treatment in September. But this will NOT cure her, it will hopefully replace 40-60% of the missing gene and allow Lucy to live, but there will be many costs for them for the long term, from wheelchairs, to treatments, nurses, care, help, and more. I am hoping that this $10k can help them with all the extra costs.

Currently they are living in a small 2 bedroom apartment, with 2 kids, and nurses there on rotation and Scott working from home for his job to keep the family going financially (working from the kitchen, as Lucy sleeps in the living room as they need the space for all the machines required for breathing at night, feeding through a tube, etc).

Lucy will need a lot of care for the rest of her life.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Brodziak Family RECIPIENT 2ND QUARTER 2025

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.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Andrea Gibson RECIPIENT 2ND QUARTER 2025

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.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Daniel Natareno RECIPIENT 2ND QUARTER 2025

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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