PROUD TO SUPPORT SAVING SAVANNA – RECIPIENT FOR 1ST QUARTER 2020

100Brokers • March 10, 2020

100Brokers Members voted and we’re very pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Saving Savanna, Recipient of the 1st Quarter vote of 2020.

Savanna was born on April 11, 2018. She is beautiful, sassy, spirited, warm, loving, funny, challenging and strong willed.

Savanna is a little girl who went from “normal” to “stage 4 Neuroblastoma cancer”. She is fighting the fight of her life at the tender age of 22 months. Her parents want to comfort her and spend as much time with her as they can.

Thank you to Lana Russell for bringing this Cause to our attention.

Nomination Story
Monday, January 13, 2020, Savanna’s parents noticed that her tummy was distended a little to the left, which seemed a bit off, but she was playful and happy, so they were not too worried. She had a history of irregular bowel movements. Tuesday she had been out with her daddy and her brother’s for what was a normal day for her, but post nap her tummy was clearly bothering her. Savanna slept a little extra Wednesday morning. When she got up she was walking a little funny and still bloated to the left, so off to the doctor’s office they went.

The doctor felt and listened to her tummy and thought, similar to her parents, that it could be a bowel obstruction? Her bowels seemed slow moving, so off to pediatrics at Ridge Meadows Hospital in Maple Ridge Savanna was sent for an x-ray, blood work and possibly an enema. The x-ray returned and it was not an obstruction, but there was clearly a mass. The blood work came back with signs of swelling and low hemoglobin so they were sent to Children’s Hospital in Vancouver that same day by ambulance.

After tests were complete at BC Children’s Hospital, Savanna was seen by a team from oncology. They explained to the family that although there was a chance something else was causing this mass, it was almost always a tumor. They did more x-rays and a CT Scan. On Thursday, January 16, 2020, they confirmed that it was cancer. The next testing stages were a little more invasive. Monday, January 20, 2020 Savanna had a surgical biopsy, and a CVC line was put into her chest so she wouldn’t need an IV in her arm. This would give doctors the access that they needed with as little intrusiveness as possible. She also had a bone marrow extraction.

Savanna has been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. She is a little girl fighting the fight of her life at the tender age of 22 months. Her Mom and Dad are there fighting right alongside her, but to do that they are missing work, which, of course pays for everyday expenses, let alone extraordinary expenses. Any help that we could offer to their family right now would help to alleviate other burdens and allow them to focus on the health and life of their little girl.

< Older Post Newer Post >

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.