PROUD TO SUPPORT – THE ABRAMS FAMILY, EASTERN RECIPIENT FOR 2ND QUARTER 2021

July 2, 2021

100Brokers Members voted and we are very pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $8,900 to The Abrams Family, Eastern Recipient of the 2nd Quarter vote of 2021.

Thank you to Stephanie Nash for bringing this Cause to our attention.


Nomination Story

The Abrams family, from the outside, looks like any “Million Dollar Family”. But in early 2019 their world was turned upside down when their son Harrison (now 9) was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive muscle wasting condition. It is a genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 3500 (almost entirely) boys. Most people with DMD are wheelchair dependent by age 12, and the loss of muscle continues until it eventually weakens the heart and lungs. The median life expectancy is mid twenties and there is currently no cure.


Harrison is incredibly fortunate to so far be progressing very slowly and enjoying relatively good mobility, but he is still disabled and no treatment will reverse that. Stairs are especially difficult, and many features of the Abrams home are not going to be accessible for him long term. He deserves a home that he can enjoy, with few to no barriers. When they bought their fixer upper in the country in 2017, they were prepared to slowly work away at it. They couldn’t have predicted they would need to put their plans to replace leaky windows on hold, in order to install ramps, lifts, widened doorways, and the myriad of other modifications needed to make the home safe for their child.


Due to the pandemic, they’ve experienced some income loss, and yet their modest single income is considered “too high” for much of the funding from the available charities, who are already stretched thin and have extensive waiting lists. They will be using as much of their equity and credit as they can, but it will never be enough. Time is not on their side as they simply can’t predict when Harrison’s mobility needs will change, or when he will require a wheelchair full-time. It’s their sincere hope to have much of the needed work done as soon as possible in preparation for his future needs, as well as to make things easier for him now.


No parents should ever have to watch as their child’s muscles slowly deteriorate and find him confined to a wheelchair before the age of 12. The Abrams family need to make their home safe and accessible for their 9 year old son and they need our help to make it happen.


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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